Appeals court denies detention challenge from 26-year-old drug suspect

On August 4, 2026, the Appeals Court in Cyprus rejected an appeal by a 26-year-old Indian student who sought to overturn his pretrial detention order. The defendant faces ten criminal charges, including the importation, possession, and possession with intent to supply Class A controlled substances, specifically dried poppy heads, as well as one charge of drug use. He will remain in custody until the start of his trial, which is scheduled for November 13, 2026.

The defense argued that the detention was unjustified, claiming a lack of sufficient evidence—specifically noting that the seized substances had not yet undergone formal scientific analysis—and requested that milder measures be considered. However, the three-member Appeals Court unanimously upheld the lower court's decision, citing the high probability of conviction and the severity of the charges, which carry potential sentences ranging from 12 years to life imprisonment. The judges concluded that the defendant poses a significant flight risk and that the legal grounds for detention remain solid despite the pending forensic reports.