Police in Nicosia uncovered a weapons cache in Kokkinotrimithia, revealing connections to a criminal network allegedly coordinating activities from within Central Prison.
- Police in Nicosia uncovered a weapons cache in Kokkinotrimithia, revealing connections to a criminal network allegedly coordinating activities from within Central Prison.
- Alongside the firearms, police seized 2.17 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine and 34 grams of cocaine, suggesting that drug trafficking is also part of the group's activities.
The discovery is significant, as it opens serious criminal cases and supports theories about organised criminal strikes in Larnaca and other regions. Authorities are now investigating a series of criminal activities that have unfolded recently across the island, focusing on six notable incidents in Larnaca and one linked to the British Bases.
Weapons cache: Police Strike Prevents Further Criminal Activity
Investigators believe they have thwarted planned criminal acts by uncovering firearms and ammunition associated with the group. This cache includes four pistols, an air rifle equipped with a scope, several 9mm cartridges, and loaded magazines, all found in a remote portable warehouse.
Link to Recent Criminal Cases Established
Larnaca Police have marked the attempted murder and arson case from 14 August as “solved” following the arrest of six individuals, one of whom is a convict from Central Prison. The evidence suggests these arrests connect to at least three other criminal incidents.
The first incident took place in late June, involving the arson of a vehicle owned by an individual known to authorities. A 17-year-old suspect, arrested for this act, reportedly confessed and was subsequently released under court conditions.
Another arson case occurred on 15 August in Aradippou, targeting a 42-year-old’s car, followed by a vehicle arson targeting an elderly individual in Dasaki Achnas. The latter incident appears to have been a case of mistaken identity, with no links to organised crime.
Seizure of Drugs Highlights Broader Criminal Network
Alongside the firearms, police seized 2.17 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine and 34 grams of cocaine, suggesting that drug trafficking is also part of the group’s activities.
The investigation into the Pyla incident has led to the arrest of five men, with three identified as direct perpetrators. A 23-year-old is believed to have set the vehicles ablaze, while a second 17-year-old allegedly shot a security guard, and another of the same age is thought to have driven the getaway vehicle. A 27-year-old is reported to have provided the vehicle used in the crime, and a 44-year-old is identified as the Central Prison convict involved.
Arrests Lead to Breakthrough in Investigation
A breakthrough in the case occurred when an 18-year-old was accidentally arrested in Paphos on 22 August. He reportedly stole the green saloon vehicle used in the Pyla incident on 13 August, later confessing to selling two stolen vehicles to the 27-year-old for €500. This development has provided crucial insights into the network’s operations.
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