Customs authorities seize cash, drugs, and illicit goods at crossing points

On March 12, 2026, customs officers at the Agios Dometios crossing point detained two women of Russian origin with Cypriot citizenship. Authorities discovered €150,000 in cash, along with undeclared cigarettes and heated tobacco products lacking required health warnings. The women paid a €600 out-of-court settlement and were released, while the cash remains under investigation by the police and the anti-money laundering unit, Mokas. On the same night at Agios Dometios, a Greek national was arrested for possessing cannabis, methamphetamine, and drug paraphernalia. Separately, on March 15, 2026, at the Deryneia crossing point, customs officers seized various animal products from a foreign national with Cypriot citizenship. The seized items included 3 liters of ayran, 700g of cheese, 1.3kg of salami, and 4.744kg of fresh chicken, which violated Green Line regulations. These confiscations highlight ongoing enforcement of customs and health protocols at the island's crossing points.