Nearly six tonnes of meat believed to have been smuggled from the government-controlled areas into the occupied north were seized during a coordinated operation, according to Turkish Cypriot media.
The operation reportedly targeted a warehouse in Diorios, three separate premises in Kyrenia and later extended to Mia Milia. Turkish Cypriot police reportedly found dozens of sheep carcasses.
A separate report said 216 carcasses of small ruminants weighing about six tonnes were seized in Haspolat, with one person detained in connection with the case.
Meat producers raise concerns
The Turkish Cypriot producers and livestock breeders’ association said it had been warning for years about the smuggling of meat.
“Six tonnes were seized today. But how many tonnes entered over the past three years?” the association asked.
It called on the so-called agriculture ministry to take measures, saying previous warnings had not been addressed.
Economic and food safety concerns
The association said meat smuggling has economic implications, including lost tax revenue and losses for livestock farmers.
It also raised food safety concerns, arguing that meat of uncertain origin and with unclear inspection controls could pose risks to consumers.
The group called for a full investigation into the incident, asking whether the seizure involved only one shipment or formed part of a wider distribution network.
It also questioned who transported the meat, who distributed it and who benefited from the activity.
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