A large amount of contraband items, including banned pesticides, were intercepted and seized by authorities in a coordinated operation, police reported on Thursday.

The seizure happened on November 20 when police and customs officers caught two Greek Cypriots attempting to drive across from the north through a non-controlled point, near the Astromeritis-Zodia boundary.

Police searched the vehicle and found pesticides, freon gas and cigarettes hidden under the back seats.
Police proceeded to confiscate the items, amounting to 45.5L pesticides and 1L of banned plant hormones, 150kg freon gas R410 and 45kg R32, also banned by EU regulations, and seven smuggled cases of 200 conventional cigarettes each, as well as three cases of e-cigarettes.

The driver and his passenger were arrested for the offences and their car was confiscated. They were later released after payment of a fine of €17,500 and an additional €500 to reclaim their car.