A routine border inspection at the Ayios Dhometios crossing led to the seizure of undeclared cigarettes, tobacco and fish products, the customs department said on Monday.

Two separate incidents took place on May 8. In the first, customs officers stopped a car driven by a Greek Cypriot travelling from the north to the republic-controlled areas. A thorough inspection revealed 10 boxes of 200 cigarettes, 14 boxes of heated tobacco sticks, and 1.75 kilos of rolling tobacco. The goods were hidden in the vehicle’s engine compartment.

Authorities confirmed that the tobacco products lacked mandatory health warnings in Greek and Turkish. They also did not bear the required safety markings or traceability codes. These omissions suggested the products were smuggled and untaxed.

Both the driver and the passenger were arrested on the spot but later released after they accepted an out-of-court settlement to resolve the charges.

Later that same day, customs officials intercepted a second vehicle at the same checkpoint, this time driven by a Ukrainian national. Officers discovered a large quantity of animal-based products stored in a suitcase.

The haul included 34.29 kilograms of caviar and 10.3 kilograms of fish fillets, including salmon and crab. These items were confiscated under Green Line regulation rules, which govern the movement of goods between the north and the republic.

The driver was also arrested and later released following an out-of-court settlement. The confiscated food was formally abandoned and is now awaiting destruction. Customs authorities have reminded the public that the unauthorised transport of such goods across the Green Line is illegal and poses risks to public health and safety.