Two separate drug seizure operations conducted by Cypriot authorities

Cypriot authorities recently conducted two distinct operations involving the seizure of opium poppies. In the first case in Limassol, police arrested a 23-year-old man in possession of 418 grams of poppy pods and subsequently a 21-year-old man at a residence with an additional 1.682 kilograms, totaling 2.1 kilograms. In a separate, larger operation at Larnaca Airport, customs officials and the Drug Law Enforcement Unit (YKAN) seized a package containing 6.3 kilograms of poppy pods. Subsequent investigations led to the arrest of a 35-year-old man in Nicosia and his 31-year-old wife. During a search of their home, authorities found another 4 kilograms of poppy material, 60 grams of unidentified plant matter, and processing equipment. Authorities noted that this is the first time such large quantities of Papaver somniferum have been imported into Cyprus. All four suspects have been detained while investigations continue.