60 kilos of tobacco, 96 fireworks seized

Police seized 60 kilos of tobacco and 96 fireworks in Astromeritis on Tuesday.

During a coordinated operation carried out at noon, members of the drug squad stopped two cars on Troodos avenue in Astromeritis.

Both drivers, a 39-year-old man and a 57-year-old man, are residents of Nicosia.

In the car belonging to the 39-year-old, officers found 12 kilos of tobacco, ten boxes containing tobacco products and five packs of cigarettes. No duties had been paid for any of the items.

A search of the 57-year-old’s car uncovered 48 kilos of tobacco, a box containing 96  fireworks and a box containing 1,600 face masks.

Both were taken to Peristerona police station where a customs officer confiscated the tobacco products.

They were ordered to pay €22,000 for the outstanding duties.

The 39-year-old was later released while the 57-year-old was detained for the illegal possession of explosives.

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