Man caught with smuggled tobacco fined €15,000

Police on Monday confiscated a large amount of duty-free cigarettes and tobacco packets from a vehicle driven by a 34-year-old man, on the Nicosia-Limassol highway.

According to police statement, around 6.30pm, officers stopped the 34-year-old on the highway near the Pera Chorio exit. The 34-year-old underwent a preliminary drug test with a positive result, while he was found to be driving without an insurance certificate.

In subsequent search of the vehicle, police found a sum of €7,150 and 95 boxes of various brands of cigarettes, 15 packs of cigarettes, 75 packs of electronic cigarettes, and 54 packs of tobacco. Customs department officials were called to the scene to record the contraband items.

The case was settled out of court with the payment of a €15,000 fine by the 34-year-old.