Police on Monday seized 100 kilogrammes of green peppers transported from the north through a non-approved crossing point in the Ayios Sozomenos area.

According to authorities, members of the anti-poaching unit and Green Line surveillance spotted a pick-up truck with Turkish Cypriot registration plates being driven by a 30-year-old Turkish Cypriot man.

The vehicle was detected crossing into the Republic from the north at an unauthorised point. Officers stopped and inspected the vehicle, discovering a large quantity of goods in its cargo bed.

The driver and vehicle were escorted to the Perachorio police station, while customs officials were immediately called in to handle the case.

Customs officers found that the vehicle was carrying approximately 100kg of green peppers of unknown origin. The goods were confiscated for violating Green Line regulations, specifically for crossing at a non-approved point and transporting goods without the required documentation.

Authorities also seized the vehicle as the means of transport.

The driver was later released after agreeing to an out-of-court settlement, paying a total of €2,500 – €2,000 as a fine and €500 for the return of the vehicle.

Both the vehicle and the goods remained temporarily at the Perachorio police station for disinfection procedures. The confiscated peppers are expected to be destroyed by the customs department.