The customs department carried out a large-scale operation, seizing six vehicles for using heating oil instead of diesel fuel and confiscating a substantial quantity of untaxed tobacco products, it was reported on Friday.

Authorities said that on Tuesday, customs officers, in cooperation with the department of road transport and the traffic police headquarters, conducted vehicle inspections in a Nicosia suburb. The operation aimed to detect the use of untaxed heating oil in vehicles, which carries a lower consumption tax than diesel.

A total of 22 vehicles were randomly checked, and six were found to contain heating oil in their fuel tanks. As a result, the vehicles were confiscated. The drivers paid a combined sum of €4,300 to settle the cases and reclaim their vehicles.

In a separate incident, customs officials intercepted a vehicle near Pyla, Larnaca, on Sunday, carrying 36 cartons of 200 cigarettes each and 5.65kg of rolling tobacco. Two individuals of Syrian origin were found transporting the untaxed tobacco products, which lacked health warnings in Greek and Turkish, as well as the necessary security features and unique traceability codes.

The authorities seized both the tobacco and the vehicle used for transportation. The two individuals were arrested but later released after paying €4,640 in out-of-court settlements. The confiscated goods were marked for destruction.

Officials have warned that inspections will continue as part of ongoing efforts to combat tax evasion and the illegal trade of fuel and tobacco products.