Over 4,000 counterfeit items have been seized from several shops in the Famagusta district, police said on Monday.

A combined operation on Monday by the police and customs turned up over 4,000 items including clothing and accessories believed to be counterfeits, an announcement said.

Officials seized 1,127 items of clothing, bags, belts and hats from a clothing shop in Ayia Napa, and 1,789 more from a souvenir shop in the same area.

In addition, a third shop in Protaras was found selling 1,294 counterfeit watches, bags, pairs of sunglasses and hats.

A fourth shop, a convenience store in Ayia Napa was searched, and even though no counterfeits were found, officers seized a hunting rifle they noticed – disassembled and in a case – on the floor under the till.

The gun was taken to Ayia Napa police station where it was determined it belonged to the family that owns the shop.

Police said they are investigating this as a case of improper storage and transportation of the firearm to the shop.

The operation was launched after police and Larnaca-Famagusta customs received information about counterfeit and duty-free products being sold at these businesses.