Cypriot police conduct major operations against illegal migration and drug trafficking

On August 2, 2026, the Cyprus Police and the Aliens and Immigration Service (YAM) conducted a coordinated operation in Limassol, resulting in the arrest of 40 third-country nationals for illegal residency. Authorities confirmed that six of the individuals are scheduled for immediate deportation, while repatriation procedures for the remaining detainees are underway in cooperation with the Deputy Ministry of Migration.

In separate developments in Nicosia, drug enforcement units (YKAN) carried out multiple raids. In one instance, two men aged 24 and 29 were arrested for illegal residency and drug possession after officers found over 150 grams of various substances, including cannabis and unidentified powder, along with 840 euros in cash. The Nicosia District Court subsequently issued seven-day remand orders for both suspects. Meanwhile, in a distinct operation, a 35-year-old man was arrested after police discovered a sophisticated cannabis cultivation facility in his home, containing nine plants and over 1.6 kilograms of cannabis, as well as 90 grams of suspected cocaine. The suspect, who had no prior criminal record, appeared before the court and was placed under an eight-day detention order to facilitate further investigation.