The value of the cocaine seized last Monday exceeds €320,000, if one considers that a gram of cocaine is currently sold at €80–120. The drugs were found carefully hidden inside a wall of an outdoor kitchen at the home of a 36-year-old Greek Cypriot in a community of Larnaca district, where the suspect had apparently created his own hiding place for storing illegal substances. The cocaine was discovered following methodical actions by members of the Drug Law Enforcement Unit (YKAN), as well as after assessment of the unusual behaviour shown by the 36-year-old during the search.
The commander of YKAN, Christos Andreou, told Politis that with the seizure of a total of three kilos and approximately 200 grams of cocaine, it was possible to prevent the distribution of around 3,500 doses on the domestic market, a figure that causes concern among security authorities. Indicative of the sharp increase in cocaine use this year is the fact that, following the latest operation in Larnaca district, total cocaine seizures from the beginning of the year to early June across Cyprus reached 72 kilos, while last year, for the entire year, total cocaine seizures were 52 kilos.
Direct hit
Members of YKAN struck gold when, on Monday afternoon, after evaluating information, they carried out a search at the home of the 36-year-old, who is being questioned by police for the first time for such cases. During the search, both inside the house and in the suspect’s car, two packages containing cocaine with a total weight of two kilos and 220 grams were found and seized, as well as another 30 nylon packages containing cocaine weighing 977 grams and one nylon package containing 31 grams of cocaine. The total quantity seized reached three kilos and 228 grams.
Due to the large quantity found, investigators are convinced that the cocaine was intended for the domestic market. During the search of the suspect’s home, eight flares, seven packs containing a large number of fireworks, €4,000 in cash, a precision scale, a hunting rifle and 24 bird traps were also found. All evidence is being submitted for forensic examination. Two motorcycles without registration numbers, as well as a car, were also found and seized inside the property.
The 36-year-old was brought before the Larnaca District Court and remanded in custody for eight days. Among other offences, he is being investigated for possession of drugs with intent to supply.
In Ayia Napa
Meanwhile, in Ayia Napa, police proceeded with the arrest of a 25-year-old woman for the flagrant offence of illegal possession of a controlled drug (laughing gas) with intent to supply to others. Members of the Famagusta Crime Prevention Unit found the young woman in possession of a metal cylinder, 64 unused nitrous oxide capsules, 68 balloons and €100 in cash. Following checks, it was found that the 25-year-old was residing illegally in the territory of the Republic of Cyprus. She will appear before court.
