Urkish Cypriot shop owners in Nicosia have complained that Greek Cypriot border police are confiscating counterfeit goods from customers crossing into the Republic of Cyprus at the Ledra checkpoint.

Traders say the crack-down is accounting for a 70% reduction in sales and claim that some shops will be forced to close in the coming weeks.

Imitation handbags, wallets, fake jeans, shoes and even dodgy Rolex watches have passed across the Green Line almost unhindered for the past 4-years.

Until recently business at the end of Ledra Street had been brisk, but the hot weather coupled with a drop in tourists crossings and the action of the police has “caused much misery” according to one trader.

The Ledra Street roadblock crossing through the UN buffer zone was reopened after 44 years in 2008.

RELATED Ledra closed after just 12 hours, Famagusta Gazette, April 3, 2008
RELATED Talat strolls in to the Republic of Cyprus for lunch, Famagusta Gazette, Jan

Source: Famagusta Gazette