A former “commander” of the “Turkish Peace Forces in Cyprus”, now a retired lieutenant general, has been arrested at the Ayios Dometios crossing point after more than 300 kilograms of meat were found in the boot of his car. CNA reported that the suspect, identified only by the initials B.M., was returning from the government-controlled areas to Kyrenia, where he lives.
Goods found during the vehicle check
The meat was discovered when his vehicle was inspected at the Turkish Cypriot checkpoint. According to CNA, the suspect had 305.40 kilograms of boneless beef and 41 kilograms of lamb tail fat, with a total value of 411,370 Turkish lira (about €7,472).
The goods were seized as evidence, and the suspect was arrested on the spot.
Previous arrest at Tymbou airport
According to the Turkish Cypriot newspaper Yeni Bakış, the same man had been arrested in the past when he attempted to bring three suitcases of cigarette tobacco through the VIP passage of the illegal Tymbou airport.
Release conditions set by the “court”
The suspect was brought before the “court”, which released him on the following conditions:
- A ban on leaving the north
- Cash bail of 80,000 Turkish lira (about €1,255)
- Bail of 600,000 Turkish lira (about €10,909) from two guarantors
- An obligation to report to the police station once a week
Source: CNA
