Large Seizure of Pesticides, Refrigerants, and Tobacco Products at Cyprus Checkpoint

The police of the Republic of Cyprus have seized a large shipment of pesticides, refrigerant canisters, and tobacco products at the Astromeritis-Zodias (Bostancı) checkpoint. The vehicle, with two Greek Cypriot passengers, was attempting to cross the border from the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) into the Republic of Cyprus.

According to the Customs Department, the incident occurred on November 20, but the news has only been made public today. Officers from both the police and Customs Department stopped the vehicle after it attempted to enter Cyprus from an uncontrolled area near the Astromeritis-Zodias checkpoint.

Upon inspection, authorities found and seized a total of 45.5 liters of various types and brands of pesticides, along with 1,000 ml (10 bottles of 100 ml each) of phytohormones, all of which are prohibited for export from the TRNC to Cyprus under the "Green Line" regulations.

Additionally, the vehicle contained 150 kg (10 canisters of 15 kg each) of R-410 refrigerant gas and 45 kg (5 canisters of 9 kg each) of R-32 refrigerant gas, both of which are banned in the European Union due to their harmful effects on the ozone layer.

Furthermore, under the back seats of the vehicle, officers found seven boxes of 200 cigarettes and three boxes of 200 heated tobacco products from various brands. These products were not labeled with health warnings in Greek or Turkish, indicating that they were smuggled.

The driver and passengers were arrested, and the vehicle was confiscated. They were later released after paying €17,500 for an out-of-court settlement of the charges. The vehicle was returned after a payment of €500.