Larnaca police were continuing investigations on Monday after five people were arrested and subsequently remanded for smuggling 10,500 boxes of cigarettes, as well as other offences.

Police said the five suspects, aged 31, 34, 37, 37 and 39, were arrested in a coordinated operation led by the Larnaca drug squad on Sunday.

In court on Monday, they were all remanded in custody for four days.

The smuggling ring was reportedly operated by Israeli nationals who had purchased the contraband items in the north and were intending to ship them back home for sale.

Police reported that initially, four men had been sighted on Sunday loading items onto a docked vessel at the Larnaca fishing port. Officers determined the boxes contained duty-free cigarettes, and the four were arrested on the spot.

Police then searched other locations, including a hotel room and an apartment being rented by the suspects, as well as two vehicles.

Officers uncovered other valuables, a large sum of money, more boxes of cigarettes, and two grams of cocaine, which were also seized.

During the searches, police arrested the fifth suspect, a 34-year-old woman.

The five arrested are expected to be brought before the Larnaca district court on Monday.

The case is under ongoing investigation. Customs officers and police sniffer dogs participated in the swoop.