Cypriot authorities seize record amount of illegal poppy stems

Cypriot authorities have seized over 10 kilograms of Papaver somniferum (opium poppy) stems, marking the largest import of these narcotics in the country's history. The operation involved the Drug Law Enforcement Unit (YKAN) and the Customs Department. A 35-year-old man was arrested after 6.3 kilograms were discovered in a package at Larnaca Airport arriving from abroad. A subsequent search of his residence in the Nicosia district led to the discovery of an additional 4 kilograms of poppy stems, 60 grams of unidentified plant matter, and drug processing equipment. The suspect's 31-year-old wife was also arrested at the scene. Both individuals remain in custody as investigations continue. This is the first recorded instance of such a large quantity of this specific narcotic being imported into Cyprus.