Customs last week seized nearly 30 kilograms of tobacco bought in the north from a British tourist, police said on Wednesday.

According to a report, on May 2 the man was stopped by customs officers while crossing over on foot into government-controlled areas at the Dherynia checkpoint.

In his bag, officers found 29.5 kg of rolling tobacco, which he admitted he bought to take home to the UK with him.

As it is prohibited to move loose tobacco from areas that are not under the control of the government, the tobacco was seized and the tourist arrested, police said.

The following day, the man’s request for an out-of-court settlement was accepted and he was set free after paying €10,000 and giving up the confiscated tobacco products.