Significant quantities of untaxed tobacco products and pharmaceuticals were discovered and confiscated in Larnaca, the customs department said on Wednesday.

The joint operation between police and the customs department involved a thorough search of two separate residences belonging to a 47-year-old man.

Authorities uncovered and seized a total of 61 cartons of untaxed cigarettes, 17 cartons of untaxed electronic cigarettes, 20 cartons of untaxed tobacco, weighing a total of 5kg and 14 boxes of pharmaceuticals.

The confiscated items are now in the hands of the customs department and the 47-year-old individual was ordered to pay a fine of €6,000.

“This incident highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to combat the illicit trade of tobacco products and unregulated pharmaceuticals in the country,” a police statement said.