Five passengers found with large quantities of cigarettes
Two separate Larnaca Airport seizures were carried out by Customs officers following targeted inspections. On 30 November 2025, officials identified five Latvian passengers preparing to depart for the United Kingdom. Their luggage contained large quantities of tobacco products that lacked the required Greek and Turkish health warnings, the official security feature and the unique traceability code, indicating the products were duty-free and undeclared.
In the passengers’ luggage, officers found 89, 87, 89, 98 and 98 cartons respectively, each containing 200 cigarettes — a total of 461 cartons. The individuals were arrested for flagrant offences, while their luggage and all contents were seized. They later appeared before Larnaca District Court, which issued four-day detention orders.
Undeclared luxury goods valued at more than €105,000
A second incident occurred on 1 December 2025 during routine checks in the green channel at Larnaca Airport. Customs officers located an undeclared luxury watch and a clothing accessory with a combined value exceeding €105,000 in the luggage of a 57-year-old Cypriot passenger arriving from Switzerland. The items had not been declared for the payment of applicable duties and taxes.
The passenger was issued an administrative fine of €3,901 for failure to declare the goods. Customs authorities also collected the relevant duties and taxes amounting to €19,012.84, concluding another case involving Larnaca Airport seizures.
Also read: Midday police chase in Nicosia leads to two arrests
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