Customs officers at Larnaca airport seized about 28kg of cannabis on Friday from two suitcases belonging to a 19-year-old passenger. The young man had travelled to Cyprus from Thailand via Dubai. His luggage was checked after Customs Headquarters received information about a possible attempt to bring drugs into the country.
Information-led inspection
According to an announcement by the Department of Customs, the passenger’s luggage was selected for inspection following an assessment of information received at Customs Headquarters concerning the possible transport of drugs to Cyprus.
The operation was carried out in cooperation with D.A.O.E./YKAN, as part of coordinated efforts to prevent the importation of drugs.
X-ray examination and search
The Department of Customs said suspicions were further strengthened during the initial X-ray examination of the passenger’s two large suitcases.
A subsequent physical search uncovered 26 airtight nylon packages containing cannabis, with a total gross weight of about 28kg.
Investigation under way
The drugs were seized by the Department of Customs and handed over to D.A.O.E./YKAN for further investigation. Investigators will seek to identify the intended recipients in Cyprus.
Interpol is also expected to be informed about the case.
