Cop in uniform busted for drugs

Members of the drug squad stopped a suspicious vehicle on a drug run in Nicosia, with the suspect turning out to be a police officer in uniform.

According to local media, members of the drug squad flagged down a vehicle in Nicosia on Wednesday afternoon, following a tip police had received about a drug run in the area.

After the vehicle was stopped for inspection, it became clear that the driver was a 40-year-old special police officer, with reports saying officers found three nylon bags containing a total of approximately 84 grams of dry cannabis and €945 in cash.

Reports said the officer, who was off duty at the time of the incident, was wearing his uniform while driving his private vehicle. Police said the officer was detained for questioning on suspicion of drug trafficking.

Members of the drug squad then raided the apartment of another male, aged 26, who was tied to the case under investigation, with officers carrying out a home search without a warrant but police saying they had obtained written consent from the tenant.

During the search, according to police, officers found 28 grams of dry cannabis, €2700 in cash, and an exact weight scale with traces of cannabis. Police also said the 26-year-old suspect was arrested after being caught in the act.

Police spokesperson Christos Andreou said law enforcement agents are under strict instructions to show zero tolerance towards corruption in the force.

Andreou confirmed reports that police had acted against the suspected officer after receiving a tip specifically involving the 40-year-old in a drug run.