A delayed check-out from a short-term rental flat in the Amathus area has led to a new major drugs case in Limassol. The Drug Law Enforcement Unit (YKAN) found more than 27 kilos of ketamine, along with cocaine, mephedrone, MDMA and cannabis. Two Israeli nationals, aged 23 and 24, have been arrested in connection with the case and remanded in custody for eight days.
A suitcase left behind
The flat had been rented to the two young men, who were due to check out at 11:00 on 29 September. As they had not asked to extend their stay, the owner went to the flat to check whether they had left. The two tenants were not there, but a travel suitcase, four protein bags and a vacuum-sealing device had been left inside.
In the suitcase, the owner found bags containing plant material and white powder, and informed the police.
What was seized
The YKAN search uncovered approximately:
- 341 grams of cannabis;
- 172 grams of cocaine;
- 2 kilos and 492 grams of ketamine;
- 776 grams of mephedrone;
- 233 grams of MDMA.
A further 24 kilos and 280 grams of ketamine were found in the four protein bags.
Arrest at the scene
While officers were still at the apartment building, the two suspects appeared. As they were being stopped, one of them allegedly struck a YKAN officer in the face, while the second pushed an officer and attempted to flee. Both were arrested. The injured officer was examined at hospital and discharged.
Rental cars and a second flat
The investigation continued with searches of two rental cars linked to the two suspects. In the first, officers found a large sum of money (almost €10,000), a passport and keys with a marking that pointed to another flat. In the second, they found a further 70 grams of ketamine, 14 grams of MDMA, 36 grams of cannabis and €320.
The keys led to a second flat, which YKAN had already received information was being used by persons of Israeli origin to store and deal drugs. Around 35 grams of ketamine were found there, along with scraps of protein bags. Investigators are examining whether these are linked to the bags found in the first flat.
The investigation continues
The two young men had arrived in Cyprus only on 20 September. Investigators are now trying to map their movements and contacts and are looking for possible accomplices. They will take around 25 statements and are examining CCTV footage and phone data.
Searches are also expected at other locations where one of the suspects allegedly stayed, and the discovery of further quantities of drugs has not been ruled out.
YKAN is also examining whether the new case may be linked to the recent seizure of almost 390 kilos of ketamine in Limassol. No such link has been established so far. Inquiries are continuing, and nothing has been ruled out.
