Woman arrested for selling smuggled goods to remain in detention: 214 duty-free items detected

A woman who was arrested and detained for selling undeclared items in north Cyprus following a raid conducted at a market in Lefkosa will remain in custody for the purpose of investigation.

The individual, MTA, a Nigerian, along with a Turkish Cypriot woman AD., who is the manager of the market were arrested at around 12:30pm on Thursday November 21, 2024, by teams from the Narcotics and Smuggling Prevention Directorate who conducted an operation at the Baki African Market in Bandabulya, Lefkoşa.

They were brought to court on Friday charged with the possession of undeclared smuggled goods. While, A.D. was released on bail, MTA was held in police custody.  

She was brought back to court again on Monday November 25.

Police said the following undeclared items were seized from MTA’s possession: 110 personal care products of various brands, 15 electronic personal care items, 13 bottles of brown liquid with unknown branding, 5 units of Tonkat, 4 packets of Royal Powder, 4 jars of Drip Syrup, 1 Flat Tummy Spray, 1 jar and 1 bottle of Breast Powder, 5 bottles of "Rave Me", 15 jars of "Dripping Pills" containing tablets, 12 jars of "Breast Pills" containing tablets, 22 jars of "Juloy V" powder, 7 jars of chalk-like material labeled "Pussy Spice"

Police said during her initial e-day detention period, the seized liquids, powders, and syrups were sent for analysis, but the results are still pending. 

The police indicated that the investigation is ongoing to determine the source of these products and are awaiting further information from the Pharmaceutical and Medical Supplies Directorate.

The suspect claimed to have acquired the goods from another individual but did not disclose a name. The authorities are also investigating whether similar goods had been previously smuggled and how they were transported if so.

The police requested an additional 8 days of detention to continue the investigation.