In Northern Cyprus, inspections near schools intensified: cigarette vendors and drivers penalized

The General Directorate of Police in Northern Cyprus announced that under the “Safe School” project, enhanced raids and inspections were carried out near educational institutions from September 15 to October 3, 2025.

During the inspections, legal sanctions were issued to tobacco vendors: 6 businesses were held liable for selling cigarettes to persons under 18. At the same time, foot and vehicle patrols were reinforced to ensure student safety and traffic order.

In checks of vehicles used to transport students, legal proceedings were initiated against 205 drivers. Among them: 61 for driving without a permit, 69 for non-compliance with operating permit conditions, 29 for driving without a professional driver’s license, 5 for deviation from route, 6 for stopping violations, 4 for overloading passengers, and 31 for other traffic violations.

From October 2, 2025, a Registry Program of the “Safe School” project has been implemented in all secondary schools in Northern Cyprus, allowing principals to alert police in advance to risks facing students and teachers. The program includes early detection of family violence, peer bullying, cyberbullying, and drug addiction.

The General Directorate of Police also plans a second phase of the project involving informational and educational sessions for students, school leadership, and parents on issues of drug abuse, road safety, fire safety, bullying, and safe internet use.