Retrial of Giorgos Christodoulou-Zavrantonas in 15kg cocaine case continues

The Nicosia Criminal Court is currently presiding over the retrial of Giorgos Christodoulou, known as 'Zavrantonas', regarding charges of importing and possessing over 15 kilograms of cocaine with intent to supply. On July 30, 2026, the court heard testimony from Damianos Hatzichristofi, a member of the Drug Law Enforcement Unit (YKAN) and an investigator who participated in the initial case. The session focused on the handling of evidence, specifically two mobile phones (iPhone X and iPhone 8) belonging to the key witness, Giannis Andreou ('Maronas'), as well as police procedures regarding telecommunication data and the defense's objections to the admissibility of certain evidence.

The case has a significant history, as the defendant was originally sentenced to 22 years in prison by the Nicosia Criminal Court in 2022 for drug possession with intent to supply. However, in May 2026, the Court of Appeal overturned this conviction and the subsequent sentence, citing a mistrial and ordering a retrial of the proceedings. Hatzichristofi, who previously arrested Andreou and Aristos Kyprianou and served the original summons to Zavrantonas at the Lakatamia police station, continues to provide his testimony as the legal process moves forward.