MVP

Tag: drug trafficking

  • Cannabis — 26-Year-Old Man Arrested at Larnaca Airport with 24kg of Cannabis

    Cannabis — 26-Year-Old Man Arrested at Larnaca Airport with 24kg of Cannabis

    A 26-year-old man has been arrested at Larnaca airport after customs officers discovered nearly 24 kilograms of cannabis in his luggage following his arrival from a European country.

    • A 26-year-old man has been arrested at Larnaca airport after customs officers discovered nearly 24 kilograms of cannabis in his luggage following his arrival from a European country.
    • The YKAN's Larnaca Unit is now looking into several charges against the individual, including importation, possession, and possession of narcotics with intent to supply to others.

    The incident took place shortly after 5.30pm yesterday, as part of ongoing operations led by the Police’s Drug Law Enforcement Unit (YKAN) in collaboration with the Customs Department. These operations aim to identify individuals attempting to import narcotics into Cyprus.

    Acting on intelligence gathered by YKAN members, customs officers conducted a search of the suspect as he passed through the “Nothing to Declare” channel in the arrivals area of Larnaca airport. He had just disembarked from a European flight when officers found the substantial haul.

    In total, officers seized 44 packages containing dried cannabis plant material, with the total gross weight amounting to 23 kilograms and 946 grams. The man was promptly arrested and remains in custody as police continue their investigation.

    The YKAN’s Larnaca Unit is now looking into several charges against the individual, including importation, possession, and possession of narcotics with intent to supply to others.

  • Cocaine — Limassol Man Arrested with Nearly 1kg Cocaine

    Cocaine — Limassol Man Arrested with Nearly 1kg Cocaine

    A 35-year-old man was arrested in Limassol late on Thursday after police seized nearly one kilogram of cocaine during a targeted drug trafficking operation. The operation, led by the drug squad (YKAN), took place shortly before 6.30pm when officers stopped the suspect’s car.

    • During the stop, police discovered 60 packets of white powder, later identified as cocaine, weighing approximately 910 grams. The drugs were hidden inside a cardboard box within the vehicle.
    • In addition to the cocaine, officers confiscated €140 and two mobile phones from the suspect's car, which will now undergo further examination as part of the investigation.

    During the stop, police discovered 60 packets of white powder, later identified as cocaine, weighing approximately 910 grams. The drugs were hidden inside a cardboard box within the vehicle.

    In addition to the cocaine, officers confiscated €140 and two mobile phones from the suspect’s car, which will now undergo further examination as part of the investigation.

    Following the initial arrest, YKAN officers conducted a search of the man’s home and a second vehicle associated with him. This search yielded a further 67 grams of cocaine and around 60 grams of dried cannabis in the apartment. In the second vehicle, authorities seized approximately 116 grams of dried cannabis along with 40 grams of MDMA, commonly known as Ecstasy.

    The suspect is currently in custody on suspicion of possession with intent to supply. The Limassol YKAN continues its investigation into the drug trafficking operation and the extent of the suspect’s activities.

  • Cannabis — 34-Year-Old Arrested with Over 24kg of Cannabis at Larnaca Airport

    Cannabis — 34-Year-Old Arrested with Over 24kg of Cannabis at Larnaca Airport

    A 34-year-old man was arrested at Larnaca airport on Wednesday after authorities discovered over 24kg of cannabis in his suitcase.

    • A 34-year-old man was arrested at Larnaca airport on Wednesday after authorities discovered over 24kg of cannabis in his suitcase.
    • Upon his arrival, police and customs officers conducted a thorough search of his luggage. During the search, they uncovered 44 packages containing cannabis, which collectively weighed 24.568kg.

    Upon his arrival, police and customs officers conducted a thorough search of his luggage. During the search, they uncovered 44 packages containing cannabis, which collectively weighed 24.568kg.

    The man, whose identity has not been disclosed, was taken into custody immediately following the discovery. He is scheduled to appear before the Larnaca district court on the same day for a remand order.

    This incident highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat drug trafficking at the airport. Authorities have been vigilant in their inspections, aiming to intercept illegal substances before they can enter the local market.

  • Weapons cache — Nicosia Weapons Cache Discovery Ties to Criminal Network

    Weapons cache — Nicosia Weapons Cache Discovery Ties to Criminal Network

    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.

  • Greek Cypriot Arrested for Drug Trafficking After Crossing into Occupied Areas

    Greek Cypriot Arrested for Drug Trafficking After Crossing into Occupied Areas

    A 32-year-old Greek Cypriot man has been arrested on suspicion of drug trafficking after his claims of accidentally entering occupied northern Cyprus were called into question.

    • A 32-year-old Greek Cypriot man has been arrested on suspicion of drug trafficking after his claims of accidentally entering occupied northern Cyprus were called into question.

    The resident of Nicosia was taken into custody by British Bases police following a series of investigations that suggested he may have deliberately crossed into the territory. The incident unfolded in the early hours of the morning, around 4:00 am, near the road leading from Xylotymbou to the Strovilia checkpoint.

    Drug trafficking: Unfolding Events at the Checkpoint

    According to sources from Philenews, the suspect initially claimed he had entered the occupied area by mistake while looking for a place to relieve himself. He stated that he noticed lights directed towards him and realised they were coming from a guard post operated by the occupation authorities. In a panic, he claimed to have fled back into government-controlled areas, abandoning his vehicle in the process.

    Police Findings Raise Doubts

    However, investigations by the British Bases Dhekelia police appear to contradict the man’s narrative. Evidence collected during the inquiry suggests that his movements were not accidental but rather part of a planned attempt to move between territories. Police sources emphasised the need for a thorough investigation into potential drug smuggling operations connected to the suspect.

    Jurisdiction and Law Enforcement

    The British Sovereign Base Areas operate their own police force, which is tasked with maintaining law and order across the territory, including some parts of the buffer zone separating the two communities in Cyprus. This arrest underscores the complexities of jurisdiction in the region, especially concerning activities related to drug trafficking.

    Further Implications for Cross-Border Movement

    The case raises questions about the ongoing issue of cross-border movements in Cyprus, particularly concerning the porous nature of the dividing line between the Republic of Cyprus and the occupied areas. As authorities continue to investigate, the incident highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement in curbing drug trafficking and ensuring safety in the region.