Cypriot customs officials announced at the weekend that X-ray operators at Larnaca International Airport had seized 6.1 kilograms of cannabis concealed behind the canvas of a large ‘painting’ that arrived on an air-cargo flight from an undisclosed third country. The interception was made during routine risk-based profiling just hours after the package cleared the aircraft hold. Although no passengers were involved, the bust underlines how Cyprus is sharpening air-freight controls ahead of its expected entry into the EU’s Schengen zone. Under Schengen rules, air-cargo facilities must meet common standards on screening, data exchange and chain-of-custody—areas where Cyprus received mixed marks in a recent EU evaluation. Customs said the successful find shows that new AI-assisted image-analysis software, rolled out in September, is already paying dividends. For companies that rely on Larnaca’s growing express-freight business—ranging from e-commerce retailers to semiconductor suppliers shipping time-critical wafers—the incident is a reminder that enhanced security does not necessarily mean slower clearances. Authorities processed all other consignments on the flight within the published two-hour service window, according to Hermes Airports. Nevertheless, logistics managers should prepare for more spot-checks as customs calibrate the new risk engine. Forwarders are being advised to upload AWB data and packing lists at least six hours before wheels-up to avoid being flagged as “unknown sender.” Lawyers note that Cyprus imposes strict liability on importers for false manifests, with fines running to €170,000 plus destruction costs.
Source: Cyprus Inform
