Crackdown on Illegal Tobacco Trade in Paphos
In a recent sweep to curb the illegal possession of firecrackers and duty-free tobacco, police in Paphos have made a significant discovery. A 49-year-old shop owner has been fined a hefty sum of four thousand euros for the possession and sale of untaxed tobacco products. The police discovered the illegal products during an investigation that targeted three establishments under court warrants.
The operation, aimed at combating the widespread issue of illicit trade, led authorities to the woman’s shop where they found a substantial amount of tobacco goods. The inventory included 36 cartons of cigarettes, 200 grams of loose tobacco, and six cartons of electric combustion cigarettes, all lacking the necessary duty stamps indicating that tax had been paid.
Upon the discovery, Customs officials were promptly called to the scene. They issued an out-of-court fine to the shop manager, who now faces a significant financial penalty for her involvement in the distribution of duty-free tobacco products. This action sends a clear message to other potential offenders that the authorities are taking a firm stance against such illegal activities.
The crackdown is part of a broader effort by Paphos police to clamp down on the illegal trade that not only evades taxes but also potentially endangers consumers with unregulated products. The fine imposed on the
As the investigation continues, local business owners are urged to comply with all legal requirements to avoid similar penalties. The community is also encouraged to report any suspicious activities to help law enforcement agencies in their ongoing efforts to ensure a safe and lawful market environment.
