The British Bases are carrying out constant checks on individuals and companies transporting cheap fuel from the occupied territories through the Bases and selling it in the Republic of Cyprus.
A written statement from the British Bases said that "Bases Customs staff have revealed that regular operations at the Pergamon and Strovilia crossing points have caused a significant blow to the illegal smuggling of fuel from the occupied territories. As fuel prices continue to soar, the regular checks have proved extremely effective in stopping individuals and businesses trying to buy low-cost fuel from the occupied territories" and bring it into the Republic of Cyprus through the British Bases.
It added that "in recent weeks, Base Customs officials had observed suspicious activity, withcommercial heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) crossing the barricades several times a week, with some even attempting to cross several times a day".
Customs officials "who have been extensively trained to identify vehicles modified for smuggling, used 'advanced vehicle search techniques' and discovered numerous heavy vehicles using what were described as 'custom fuel tanks' for the purposes of fuel smuggling."
According to the statement, Mark Hartley, Head of Customs in the Eastern Areas of the British Bases said that with low fuel prices in the occupied territories "and the weakened (Turkish) lira, organised smuggling groups have sought to take advantage by transporting vast quantities of fuel through the British Bases for sale on the black market in the Republic of Cyprus."
Giving an example, Mr. Hartley "revealed that earlier this month, acommercial bus company had secured one of its buses to be driven into the occupied territories, attempted to use it as a 'feeder', making repeated trips to the occupied territories to obtain fuel and then transferring it to the company's other 16 vehicles located in the Republic."
He added that "the feeder bus was immediately seized and a fine of €1,480 was imposed. In other recent operations, fines totalling almost six thousand euros were imposed on those who attempted to smuggle low-cost fuel through the British Bases."
[BR][BR]According to Mr Hartley "this should be taken as a warning to those hoping to take advantage of the situation. It is unacceptable for individuals to attempt to cheat the system by trying to avoid taxes used to fund vital public services."
He further stated that "the actions of the British Bases send a clear message that any smuggling through the Bases' transit points will not be tolerated and those who attempt to evade controls will be detected, their property seized and prosecuted."
Source: CNA
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