phone surveillance — The commander of Cyprus’s Anti-Drugs Unit (YKAN) has called for the urgent passage of phone surveillance legislation, highlighting that Cyprus may be the only country in Europe lacking this essential power. YKAN commander Christos Andreou stated that the absence of such legislation is forcing investigators to target couriers instead of the masterminds behind drug trafficking networks.
In an interview with Phileleftheros, Andreou emphasised that access to telecommunications data belonging to individuals involved in organised crime could significantly enhance the effectiveness of YKAN’s operations. He noted that most drug-related cases originate from tips received by police, and investigations often span several months. With the ability to monitor telecommunications data, he argued, the time required to gather critical information could be greatly reduced.
Andreou explained that the lack of surveillance powers allows those ultimately responsible for trafficking networks to evade arrest, leaving lower-level couriers to face the consequences. Despite these challenges, YKAN has achieved some success, managing to imprison several individuals identified as leaders of trafficking operations.
The call for legislative change comes amid growing concerns regarding new types of drugs emerging in Cyprus. This year, YKAN has seized approximately 57 kilograms of opium poppy pods across the country, a substance that has not been encountered for many years. Traditionally, cannabis and cannabis resin have dominated the drug scene in Cyprus, but recent searches in all cities have uncovered an additional 35 kilograms of opium poppy pods. YKAN has traced these drugs back to imports via Austria and Germany, suspecting that Indian nationals are orchestrating the shipments through courier companies, resulting in over seven arrests nationwide.
In addition to opium poppy, YKAN identified liquid cannabis as one of the most dangerous new substances this year. This drug poses significant detection challenges and carries severe consequences for users, who often boil and consume the preparation.
Furthermore, cocaine seizures have more than doubled in the first half of this year, jumping from 30 kilograms to 72 kilograms compared to the same period last year. YKAN attributes this surge to traffickers attempting to import larger quantities in fewer shipments, thereby maximising profits while minimising the risk of detection.
Andreou pointed out that the drug issue has permeated all areas of society, including schools, with the volume of seizures increasing annually. YKAN’s data reveals that nearly 1,000 drivers are caught each year for driving under the influence of drugs. Additionally, more than 350 young individuals are referred to rehabilitation programmes annually, while YKAN actively engages in prevention efforts through educational talks at schools and military camps.
Recent YKAN operations have been focused on dismantling networks importing dried opium poppy pods into Cyprus. In a series of raids, five men aged between 20 and 28 were arrested, including one who was already in custody for a related case. Among the suspects, two were found to be in Cyprus illegally. These individuals are scheduled to appear in court for remand hearings.
Further operations in Paphos and Famagusta resulted in the discovery of an additional five kilograms of opium poppy and led to two more arrests, underscoring YKAN’s ongoing efforts to combat the growing drug problem in Cyprus.
