Israelis Caught in Cyprus Smuggling Thousands of Cigarettes

Cypriot customs officials have apprehended several Israelis attempting to smuggle a significant quantity of cigarettes into the country. In two separate incidents over a 24-hour period, a total of 11,800 cigarettes were seized. The first incident occurred at the Agios Dometios crossing in Nicosia, where five Israelis were stopped with 9,800 cigarettes in their luggage. These cigarettes lacked the required health warnings and security markings, indicating they were intended for smuggling and had not had customs duties paid.

The five Israelis initially faced charges but later agreed to an out-of-court settlement, collectively paying 4,000 euros. The following day, at the Dherynia crossing, a 49-year-old Israeli woman was caught with 2,000 more cigarettes in her suitcase, also lacking proper markings. She was detained and subsequently released after paying a 600 euro settlement.

Cypriot customs authorities suspect these are not isolated incidents but rather part of an organized smuggling ring. The operation is believed to involve bringing cheaper cigarettes from the Turkish-controlled north of the island, through the Republic of Cyprus, and then onward to Israel. This theory gained traction due to a sharp increase in Israeli involvement in tobacco seizures in recent months.

Customs spokesperson Giorgos Constantinou suggested that an entity in northern Cyprus is organizing the transport of these goods. Authorities believe the smuggling network has shifted from large shipments by sea to a "port smuggling" method, utilizing numerous individuals to carry smaller quantities of cigarettes. The cigarettes are reportedly transported via taxis from the north to the south of the island, potentially then flown to Israel from Larnaca airport.

All confiscated tobacco products have been seized and will be destroyed according to procedure. The increase in seizures involving Israelis in June and July, where they accounted for a significant percentage of tobacco confiscations, has heightened the suspicion of an organized operation.