Two women who entered north Cyprus in the trunk of a taxi arrested at Ercan Airport while trying to exit the country

Two women who entered north Cyprus from in the trunk of a taxi, were arrested at Ercan Airport after an immigration officer noticed that there was no record that they entered the TRNC legally.

The suspects, LB and RN who are both from Nepal were arrested on Wednesday January 8 at Ercan Airport while trying to exit the country after it was determined that they did not enter the country legally.

They were brought to court at the weekend on charges of violating a military restricted zone.

Police officer who testified in court said the suspects entered the TRNC (Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus) on January 6, 2025, at around 2:20 a.m., hidden in the trunk of a taxi with South Cyprus license plates. 

The officer explained that the suspects crossed into the North by violating the military restricted zone at the Metehan Border Gate and were arrested on January 8, 2025, at Ercan Airport when an immigration officer discovered they had no recorded entry into the TRNC.

The police stated that the suspects have no legal ties in the TRNC and reside in the South. The officer argued that if the suspects were released, they might escape via illegal means and requested that they remain in custody at the central prison for one month.

The judge ordered that the suspects be sent to prison for a period not exceeding one month.