Police have arrested three individuals in relation to the seizure of more than 6.5kg of dried poppy bulbs, a significant haul in ongoing anti-drug operations in the Famagusta and Paphos districts.
- Police have arrested three individuals in relation to the seizure of more than 6.5kg of dried poppy bulbs, a significant haul in ongoing anti-drug operations in the Famagusta and Paphos districts.
- The arrests took place on Thursday as part of broader investigations by the drug squad (Ykan), which are targeting the importation of narcotic substances via courier services.
- Investigations are continuing as police work to dismantle networks involved in the illegal drug trade.
The arrests took place on Thursday as part of broader investigations by the drug squad (Ykan), which are targeting the importation of narcotic substances via courier services.
Dried poppy: Details of the Arrests in Famagusta
During the operation in Famagusta, officers apprehended two men aged 35 and 30 after discovering packages containing dried poppy bulbs with a total weight of 4.45kg. The 35-year-old was stopped while collecting a package from a courier company at around 10.20am.
A search of the area revealed seven packages holding dried poppy bulbs that weighed 1.4kg, leading to his immediate arrest. Further investigations at his residence resulted in the discovery of an additional package containing 1.45kg of the same substance. Authorities also confirmed that this individual was residing illegally in the Republic.
Shortly thereafter, officers intercepted a 30-year-old man who had received a package from the same courier service. Upon searching him, they found 1.6kg of dried poppy bulbs in his possession, resulting in his arrest. A third package containing an additional 1.6kg of dried poppy bulbs was also located at the courier company’s premises.
Further Connections in Paphos
In a separate but related case, police linked a package containing 500g of dried poppy bulbs that arrived at Larnaca airport to a 38-year-old man from Paphos. He was apprehended while riding a motorcycle in Paphos and was found carrying 1g of powder believed to be derived from dried poppy bulbs.
This suspect is also set to appear before the Paphos District Court on Friday. Authorities noted that these incidents are part of a larger crackdown, with more than 58kg of dried poppy bulb products seized and a total of 13 individuals arrested during the ongoing operations.
Investigations are continuing as police work to dismantle networks involved in the illegal drug trade.
