Cyprus: Unduty Tobacco Products Seized in Larnaca and Paphos

In three separate incidents, the Cyprus Department of Customs seized large quantities of unduty tobacco products from passengers departing from Larnaca and Paphos airports en route to the United Kingdom.

On August 1, 2025, at Larnaca Airport, two 22-year-old British nationals were arrested. Their luggage contained a total of 125 cartons of cigarettes (200 cigarettes per carton) and rolling tobacco. They were released after paying €4,250 each and forfeiting the products.

On August 2, 2025, at Paphos Airport, a 33-year-old British national was arrested with 162 cartons of cigarettes. He was taken to the Paphos District Court and placed in two-day detention.

On August 3, 2025, also at Paphos Airport, a 19-year-old Polish national was arrested with 44 cartons of cigarettes and 8 kilograms of rolling tobacco. She was released after paying €3,000 and forfeiting the products.

In all three cases, the tobacco products did not bear the required markings and traceability codes, indicating that they were unduty.