British NCOs arrested after customs find 300 cigarette cartons in luggage

TWO BRITISH bases non-commissioned officers were arrested on Saturday at Larnaca airport, after a customs check discovered more than 300 cigarette cartons in their baggage.

The two suspects, who serve at the Dhekelia bases, were taking a British Midland flight to the United Kingdom. They were immediately placed under arrest and detained.

Yesterday they were charged and remanded in custody for four days, pending their arraignment.

According to a British bases spokesman, such incidents among bases personnel were uncommon. He added that the two NCOs, both lance corporals, would be strictly disciplined if found guilty of the charges.

Customs is investigating the case, and it is believed the suspects had bought the cigarettes from the north, specifically from Pyla village.

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