Customs seizures of bovine hides and tobacco at the Agios Dometios crossing

On April 22, 2026, customs officers at the Agios Dometios crossing intercepted a vehicle driven by a Turkish Cypriot containing 75 kilograms of unprocessed bovine hides. The driver was arrested, but was later released after paying a €500 fine through an out-of-court settlement; the hides and the vehicle were seized. Reports indicate these materials were intended for human consumption by third-country nationals, raising concerns among authorities regarding the potential transmission of foot-and-mouth disease into the Republic of Cyprus. In a separate incident on April 23, 2026, officers at the same crossing stopped another vehicle driven by a Turkish Cypriot. This inspection revealed 175 cartons of regular cigarettes, 100 cartons of heated tobacco, and 6 kilograms of hookah tobacco without required health warnings in Greek or Turkish. The second driver was arrested, and the tobacco products and vehicle were confiscated. The individual involved in the second case was scheduled to appear before the Nicosia District Court for a detention order. Authorities maintain that these enforcement actions at crossing points are vital to combat smuggling and uphold health and tax regulations.