Ukrainian traveller caught with 45kg of caviar, salmon at Ayios Dhometios checkpoint (pict
Source: in-cyprus.com
Customs Department officers confiscated untaxed tobacco products and animal products in two separate incidents at the Ayios Dhometios checkpoint on May 8.
In the first case, officers searched a vehicle driven by a Greek Cypriot entering the government-controlled areas from the northern part of Cyprus. Hidden in the engine compartment, officials discovered and seized 10 cartons of cigarettes, 14 cartons of heated tobacco products, and 1.75 kilograms of rolling tobacco.
The confiscated items lacked required health warnings in Greek and Turkish languages and did not bear the security feature and unique traceability code, indicating they were untaxed. The driver and passenger were arrested but later released after accepting an out-of-court settlement.
In a separate incident on the same day, officers stopped a vehicle driven by a Ukrainian national. A search revealed a suitcase containing 34.29 kilograms of fish derivatives (caviar) and 10.3 kilograms of fish fillets (salmon and crab).
The animal products were seized under Green Line Regulation provisions. The driver was initially arrested but later released after accepting an out-of-court settlement. The confiscated products were abandoned by the individual and will be destroyed following proper procedures.
Why is the movement of animal goods restricted under the Green Line Regulation?
The Green Line Regulation restricts the movement of animal goods across the island’s dividing line primarily to safeguard public health and ensure compliance with European Union (EU) veterinary standards.
The movement of live animals and animal products across the line is generally prohibited. This prohibition encompasses productive animals, pets, meat, milk, feathers, skins, animal manure, snails, reptiles, and game. An exception is made for fresh fish intended for commercial purposes, which may cross the line at the Agios Dometios crossing point, provided they are accompanied by the appropriate documentation from the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce and have been inspected and approved by the Veterinary Services.
The rationale behind these restrictions is rooted in the need to protect animal and public health within the EU. The areas of Cyprus not under the effective control of the Republic of Cyprus are not subject to EU veterinary surveillance, and there is insufficient information regarding the state of animal health in these regions.
The original article: belongs to in-cyprus.com .
