A retired Turkish “lieutenant general” described as the “commander” of the “Turkish Peace Forces in Cyprus” was arrested at the Agios Dometios crossing after 305kg of meat was discovered in his vehicle, according to a report by Turkish Cypriot newspaper Yeni Bakış.
The man, identified by the initials B.M., was returning to the occupied north, where he lives in Kyrenia, from the government-controlled areas when the meat was found during an inspection at the Turkish Cypriot checkpoint.
More than 300kg of meat seized
According to the report, authorities found 305.40kg of boneless beef and 41kg of lamb tail fat in the vehicle’s boot. The products had an estimated total value of 411,370 Turkish lira, equivalent to approximately €7,472.
The meat was seized as evidence and the suspect was arrested at the scene.
Suspect released under conditions
The suspect was brought before a so-called court in the north, which released him under a series of conditions.
These included a ban on leaving the occupied areas, a cash guarantee of 80,000 Turkish lira, approximately €1,255, and guarantees totalling 600,000 Turkish lira, around €10,909, provided by two guarantors.
He must also report to a police station once a week.
Previous alleged smuggling incident
Yeni Bakış also reported that the man had previously been arrested after allegedly attempting to transport three suitcases of cigarette tobacco through the VIP passage at Ercan Airport, which operates in the occupied north.
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