Nearly two tons of smuggled meat seized in Famagusta

In Famagusta, a serious violation related to the illegal circulation of meat products was uncovered during a joint raid by the police and the municipal inspection service.

During an evening inspection at one of the butcher shops, a large quantity of lamb and beef that had not been declared to customs was discovered. Later, in a pen belonging to the same owner, 70 heads of small livestock were found without ear identification numbers.

According to the municipality, stolen and previously used stamps from the municipal slaughterhouse were also found in the shop. An expert examination showed that part of the meat originated from the southern part of Cyprus. The total volume of seized products amounted to 1 ton 782 kilograms.

In addition, inspections revealed serious sanitary violations: storage of meat without labeling, frozen minced meat of unknown origin, as well as an illegally equipped sleeping area for employees directly inside the shop building.

All meat products were confiscated. The owner was fined for violating sanitary regulations, and the police launched an investigation into charges of storing smuggled goods and theft. A separate investigation is being conducted by the veterinary service regarding the discovery of unregistered animals and used ear tags.