British base police and authorities conduct joint operations ahead of Orthodox Easter

Since mid-February, the British Bases (BB) Police, in coordination with the Cyprus Police, the United Nations, and the BB Customs and Immigration Department, have conducted seven joint operations. These efforts, focused on the Dhekelia area, aim to prevent the illegal importation and use of Easter firecrackers ahead of the Orthodox Easter. Deputy Superintendent Markos Petrou noted that while no firecrackers have been seized to date, the operations have led to ten arrests for various criminal activities, including drug offenses, traffic violations, and smuggling of untaxed goods. Authorities highlighted that previous years saw illegal fireworks smuggled through crossing points from the occupied territories. The joint campaign is also intended to address broader criminal activity in the region. Further operations are planned for the coming days as the Easter holiday approaches. Officials emphasized the ongoing cooperation between the various agencies as a primary factor in the current success of these security measures.