Police seized a large quantity of cigarettes and tobacco products on Wednesday morning after intercepting a van that had entered government-controlled areas from the north.
During a search of the vehicle, officers recovered 127,000 cigarettes, 40,000 heated cigarettes (IQOS), 96 kilograms of rolling tobacco, 102 kilograms of narghile tobacco and 1,000 cigarillos.
Two suspects arrested
The two passengers in the vehicle, aged 37 and 39, were arrested on suspicion of negligent driving and the illegal possession and transport of duty-free goods.
They are expected to appear before the Nicosia District Court for a detention hearing.
A police spokesperson said that “all seized items are being documented and preserved as part of the ongoing investigation”.
Authorities added that the interception and seizure form part of ongoing efforts to combat the illegal transport of contraband goods from the north.