The Customs Department, in cooperation with Police, is investigating information regarding possible illegal hay trafficking and animal feed from the occupied areas.
Customs spokesperson Giorgos Constantinou told CNA that the information concerns a 75-year-old man who recently faced involvement in illegal tobacco trafficking from the occupied areas.
Previous tobacco case
Referring to last Wednesday’s tobacco smuggling case in the Dali area, Constantinou said Customs took over the case from Police and proceeded with an out-of-court settlement involving a €13,000 payment.
He added that around midday yesterday, Customs received anonymous information alleging the same individual frequently engaged in illegal transport of goods to and from the occupied areas through non-approved crossing points.
According to the tip-off, the 75-year-old may also have transported hay and animal feed.
Fears over foot-and-mouth risk
Constantinou said the information raised serious concern, prompting Customs to inform Police immediately in order to coordinate investigations. Authorities aim to verify the information and assess whether any activity could link to the possible spread of foot-and-mouth disease from the occupied areas to the government-controlled areas.
He clarified that at this stage authorities are dealing only with information and speculation, with nothing confirmed. Investigations will continue in the coming days in cooperation with other competent authorities.
If authorities confirm illegal transport of hay and feed, they will then gather any available evidence to determine whether the products connect to potential virus transmission.
Asked about the timeframe, Constantinou said the process requires time and considerable effort, as authorities must first verify the information and then establish whether it can serve as admissible evidence.
“We need time and significant effort, and we will do everything possible to bring this investigation to completion,” he concluded.
Also read: How foot-and-mouth disease affects the Easter table
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