Newsroom
A coordinated operation by Cyprus’ Anti-Narcotics Service has led to the arrest of five men and the seizure of more than 20 kilograms of dried poppy pods, as authorities step up efforts to tackle suspected drug-related imports across the island.
The targeted raids took place yesterday across the districts of Nicosia, Limassol, and Larnaca as part of ongoing enforcement actions aimed at identifying and stopping illegal narcotics entering Cyprus.
During the operations, officers located and confiscated approximately 20.7 kilograms of dried poppy pods (Papaver somniferum), a plant species linked in some cases to controlled narcotic substances.
Five arrests, ongoing investigation
Five men aged 20, 22, 23, 27 and 28 were arrested in connection with the case.
Authorities noted that one of the suspects, a 22-year-old man, was already in custody for a separate but similar case.
Further checks also revealed that two of the arrested individuals, aged 27 and 28, were living in Cyprus without legal residency status.
Investigations are continuing as police examine the full scope of the case and any possible links to wider networks.
Part of wider crackdown
Officials say this operation is part of a broader national effort to identify and seize dried poppy pods and other suspected narcotics being imported or distributed in Cyprus.
In a related series of operations, authorities have so far confiscated more than 52 kilograms of similar plant material across multiple cases.
The Anti-Narcotics Service says its operations will continue “with undiminished intensity” across Cyprus.
The suspects remain under investigation as authorities continue forensic and legal examinations into the seized material.
Police say further arrests cannot be ruled out as the inquiry develops.
