cannabis cultivation — cannabis cultivation — An 81-year-old pensioner has been arrested for the third time in five years after police discovered cannabis plants exceeding three metres in height at his home in Dromolaxia, Larnaca.
On a Sunday morning, members of the Drug Law Enforcement Unit (YKAN) conducted a raid on the pensioner’s residence, uncovering two towering cannabis plants, a third plant measuring 90 centimetres, and a significant quantity of processed cannabis weighing 118 grammes. Officers also found a cannabis processing and drying system, suggesting that the operation extended beyond personal use.
The elderly man claimed he was cultivating the plants solely for personal consumption. However, officials from YKAN indicated that the equipment found indicated a potential for commercial distribution. Investigators are now looking into possible accomplices and the origin of the seeds used for cultivation. The suspect’s mobile phone has been seized for further examination, and authorities are considering whether family members may be involved.
This latest arrest follows two prior convictions for similar offences. The first incident occurred when the pensioner was 76 years old, and he faced another arrest in October 2022, which revealed approximately 1.5 kilogrammes of cannabis leaves and branches, along with additional cannabis plants in his courtyard.
During the court appearance on Monday, the Larnaca District Court ordered the suspect to be remanded for six days. He faces several charges, including conspiracy to commit a felony, illegal cultivation of cannabis with intent to supply, and illegal possession of narcotics.
