Two Bulgarian nationals arrested at Larnaca Airport for cigarette smuggling

On May 3, 2026, customs officials at Larnaca Airport in Cyprus arrested two Bulgarian nationals attempting to board a flight to Manchester, United Kingdom. The operation was conducted following an intelligence assessment by airport customs authorities. A search of the passengers' luggage revealed a total of 246 cartons of cigarettes, each containing 200 units. Specifically, the first passenger was found with 127 cartons, while the second passenger carried 119 cartons. Authorities identified the products as duty-free because they lacked the mandatory health warnings in Greek and Turkish. The tobacco products were confiscated, and the suspects were arrested for flagrant offenses. The individuals are scheduled to appear before the Larnaca District Court to face a remand hearing. The legal proceedings remain ongoing as authorities process the illicit goods.