By George Psyllides
REMOVAL OF the restrictions in the movement between the divide has proved a headache for authorities in trying to prevent drug smuggling and other contraband entering from the occupied areas.
On Thursday evening police and customs officials began carrying out checks on vehicles returning from the north.
By midnight authorities had confiscated around a dozen cartons of cigarettes bought for £5 each compared to around £18 in the free areas.
Most people gave up the cigarettes without any arguments though some heatedly disputed the authorities’ arguments.
A customs officer told the Cyprus Mail that bringing cigarettes and alcohol from the north was illegal because they had been imported illegally. In other words, those caught with the contraband would not be allowed to keep the goods even if they paid the tax.
“We issue them a receipt and the goods are seized to be destroyed,” the officer said.
Authorities made it clear that any contraband found would be confiscated and urged people to refrain from buying such products.
Apart from confiscation of the goods, offenders also face two years imprisonment or a fine.
But reports in yesterday’s press spoke of smugglers exploiting the situation to advance far more sinister aims than just saving a few pounds in taxes.
The reports said certain criminal elements known to authorities have been spotted at the Ledra Palace checkpoint crossing over to the north.
Authorities are keeping a watchful eye on such individuals who would certainly be scrutinised on the way back, reports said.
Police on the lookout for attempts to smuggle drugs, firearms, explosives and, to a lesser degree, tobacco, alcohol and foodstuffs with the intention of be resold in the free areas.
Yesterday’s Politis claimed Turkish Cypriots coming from the north have brought with them cigarettes and fake designer goods that they tried to peddle to passers-by in Nicosia.
According to the daily, the Turkish Cypriots accosted tourists and Greek Cypriots in Ledra Street and Eleftheria Square offering cigarettes and sports wear at half the price they are found in the free areas.
Some Greek Cypriots even took advantage of the situation to fill up their cars with cheaper petrol from the north.
