A late check-out from a short-term rental apartment in the Amathus area of Limassol led to the discovery of more than 27kg of ketamine, as well as cocaine, mephedrone, MDMA and cannabis.
Two Israeli nationals, aged 23 and 24, were arrested in connection with the case and remanded in custody for eight days. The Drug Law Enforcement Unit, YKAN, is also examining whether the case is linked to the recent seizure of almost 390kg of ketamine in Limassol, although no such connection has been established so far.
Drugs found after late check-out
The apartment had been rented to the two men, who were due to leave at 11am on 29 September.
As they had not requested an extension to their stay, the owner went to the apartment to check whether they had left. The two occupants were not there, but a suitcase, four protein bags and a vacuum-sealing device remained inside.
The owner found bags containing plant material and white powder inside the suitcase and alerted police.
A YKAN search uncovered approximately 341g of cannabis, 172g of cocaine, 2.492kg of ketamine, 776g of mephedrone and 233g of MDMA.
A further 24.280kg of ketamine was found inside the four protein bags.
Suspects arrested at apartment building
While police officers were still at the apartment building, the two suspects arrived.
As officers attempted to stop them, one allegedly struck a YKAN officer in the face, while the other allegedly pushed a police officer and attempted to flee.
Both men were arrested. The injured officer was examined at hospital and later discharged.
Drugs and cash found in rental cars
Investigations continued in two rental cars linked to the suspects.
Police found almost €10,000 in cash, a passport and keys bearing a specific marking indicating another apartment in the first vehicle.
The second vehicle contained a further 70g of ketamine, 14g of MDMA, 36g of cannabis and €320.
The keys led investigators to a second apartment. YKAN had already received information that the property was being used by people of Israeli origin for the storage and sale of drugs.
Approximately 35g of ketamine was found there, along with pieces of protein bags. Investigators are examining whether the pieces are connected to the bags discovered in the first apartment.
Police examine movements and contacts
The two suspects had arrived in Cyprus on 20 September.
Investigators are now seeking to establish their movements and contacts and identify any possible associates. Around 25 statements are expected to be taken, while CCTV footage and telephone data are also being examined.
Searches are also expected at other locations where one of the suspects is believed to have stayed, and investigators have not ruled out the possibility that further quantities of drugs could be found.
YKAN is meanwhile examining whether the case could be connected to the recent seizure of almost 390kg of ketamine in Limassol.
No link between the two cases has been established at this stage, and investigations are continuing.
