Investigation into Animal Trafficking from Occupied Areas After Foot-and-Mouth Disease Outbreak

Veterinary Services, the Police, and the Customs Department are investigating the movement of animals, animal feed, and hay from the occupied territories, following the detection of foot-and-mouth disease cases since December. The focus is on the arrest of a 75-year-old for smuggling tobacco products and his possible involvement in animal trafficking.

Questions are being raised as to whether the competent authorities promptly assessed information about illegal trafficking, especially after the detection of the first cases. Turkish Cypriot publications reported the arrest of the 75-year-old on December 18, five days after the first cases, for attempting to transport cattle to the occupied territories.

Farmers are expressing concerns about the cessation of checks at checkpoints in late January to early February, before the appearance of cases in the free areas. Investigations are also focusing on farmers who may have had dealings with traffickers from the occupied territories.

An authorized police source stated that an investigation is underway on many fronts, through testimonies and data submitted by the Veterinary Services and the Customs Department.