Cyprus Suspects Organized Ring Uses Israeli Tourists to Smuggle Cigarettes
Cyprus customs authorities have uncovered an organized smuggling ring using Israeli tourists to transport cheap cigarettes from northern Cyprus to Israel via Larnaca Airport.
Cyprus customs authorities suspect that a highly organized smuggling ring is recruiting Israeli tourists to transport cheap cigarettes from the Turkish-occupied northern part of the island to Israel. The suspicion intensified following two separate seizures within 48 hours at border crossings along the Green Line.
On September 6, customs officers at the Agios Dommetios crossing in Nicosia stopped a taxi with Turkish-Cypriot license plates traveling from the north. Inside the vehicle were five Israeli citizens. A search of their luggage revealed 49 cartons containing a total of 9,800 cigarettes. The packages lacked the mandatory Greek and Turkish health warnings, security features, and unique tracking codes, proving that no customs duties had been paid.
The five Israelis were initially arrested. They were later released after agreeing to an out-of-court settlement and paying a joint fine of 4,000 euros.
Second Seizure at Deryneia
Just one day later, a similar incident occurred at the Deryneia crossing. Customs officials inspected another Turkish-Cypriot taxi carrying a 49-year-old Israeli female tourist. A search of her suitcase uncovered ten cartons containing 2,000 cigarettes, which also lacked the required security markings.
She was arrested and subsequently released after agreeing to a settlement and paying a fine of 600 euros. The Cyprus Customs Department confirmed that all seized tobacco products were confiscated and will be destroyed.
Shift to "Ant Smuggling" Tactics
According to Cyprus Customs spokesperson Giorgos Constantinou, authorities believe a coordinator operating in the northern part of the island is hiring individuals to transport the goods.
"In 2025, authorities identified operations where large quantities were smuggled by boats and ships from the Cypriot coast to Israel. We now estimate that the network has changed its methods and begun using numerous individual passengers."
This tactical shift, known as "ant smuggling," involves using multiple travelers to carry relatively small quantities of contraband to avoid detection. The passengers travel by taxi to the south of the island, proceed to Larnaca International Airport, and fly the cigarettes back to Israel.
Statistical data supports this theory. In June, Israelis were involved in 41 out of 288 tobacco seizures (14%). By July, that figure rose to 46 out of 188 seizures, meaning Israelis accounted for 24.5% of all incidents and nearly half of all confiscated cigarettes.
