A Larnaca district court extended the detention of four Israeli nationals for five more days following their arrest Sunday in connection with a major cigarette smuggling operation.
The suspects, aged 31 to 39, were arrested while loading hundreds of cigarette cartons onto a vessel at Larnaca fishing harbor. They have refused to cooperate with Customs authorities investigating their wider network.
Authorities seized 10,503 cartons of cigarettes worth over €500,000 at retail value from a boat and warehouse in Larnaca. Additional seized items include €50,000 in cash, luxury watches, cocaine, and two vehicles.
Customs officials are investigating suspicious vessels in Larnaca waters and have contacted Israeli customs authorities and Interpol, believing Israel to be the likely destination for the smuggled cigarettes.
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