Two arrested at Ercan Airport in north Cyprus over duty-free goods, one pleads for chance to prepare children for school

Two individuals were brought before court following their arrest at Ercan Airport on charges of possession of undeclared duty-free goods.

According to police testimony presented by officer Halil İbrahim Gizmen, the suspects, N.M. (35, female) and R.A. (38), were stopped on Thursday evening around 10:00 p.m. at the airport’s passenger exit due to suspicious behavior. 

A search of their luggage uncovered: 35 bottles of women’s perfume (various brands and sizes), 91 foundation products, 15 lip balms, 32 deodorant roll-ons, a quantity of gold jewelry, believed to be undeclared.

Police confirmed that both suspects were caught in the act and taken into custody. A subsequent search of their residence in Lefkoşa revealed an additional 18 perfumes, 2 face creams, 6 deodorant roll-ons, and more gold jewelry believed to have been smuggled.

Authorities said the investigation is ongoing. CCTV footage from Ercan Airport will be reviewed, and the seized gold will undergo valuation. Police requested an additional three-day remand for further inquiries.

During the hearing, suspect N.M. addressed the court, stating: “Let the police investigate as they wish; I will provide the necessary statements. But schools are opening on Monday. I have two children, and I need a chance to prepare and send them to school.”

Presiding judge Nuray Necdet granted the police request, ordering the suspects to remain in custody for three more days. The judge also inquired about the welfare of the children. The prosecutor informed the court that investigations confirmed relatives would care for them.

The case remains under police investigation.