Police in Nicosia seized 396 boxes of untaxed cigarettes and heated tobacco products, as part of an operation by the Nicosia Crime Prevention Unit (OPE). A 40-year-old man was arrested in connection with the case and issued a fine of €20,000.
The operation took place on 16 and 17 September, following a tip-off concerning the illegal possession, distribution and sale of untaxed tobacco products, as well as suspected fraudulent evasion of VAT.
Members of OPE Nicosia located and stopped the 40-year-old while he was driving in the Engomi area.
A search of his vehicle turned up 301 boxes of heated tobacco products and 95 boxes of cigarettes. Police also seized €2,400 in cash and two mobile phones.
Once it was established that the tobacco products were untaxed, the 40-year-old was arrested and taken to the offices of the Customs Department in Nicosia. The seized items were handed over to customs authorities, and his vehicle was also impounded.
Customs Department officers issued the 40-year-old with a fixed penalty notice of €20,000 for possession of the untaxed products.
Source: Cyprus News Agency (CNA)
