Cyprus police conduct nationwide anti-crime operations and drug seizures

Cypriot authorities conducted a series of anti-crime operations across the island between August 14 and August 16, 2026, leading to numerous arrests. On August 15, a 36-year-old traveler arriving at Larnaca airport from a third country was detained after customs officials discovered approximately 23 kilograms of cannabis in his luggage. Additionally, a 21-year-old in Nicosia was arrested following a traffic stop where police seized 40 grams of cannabis, eventually discovering an additional 45 grams of cannabis, five grams of resin, and 8,800 euros in cash during follow-up searches of his residences; he has been remanded in custody for three days.

In separate developments regarding property crime, police in Larnaca, Nicosia, and Limassol resolved multiple burglary cases. A 66-year-old was caught in the act of burglarizing an unoccupied house in Larnaca, while a 22-year-old was arrested in Nicosia after confessing to four separate burglaries. Furthermore, police launched wide-ranging preventive operations overnight on August 16, resulting in 20 arrests for various offenses including illegal residency, possession of weapons, and drug-related charges, alongside extensive traffic enforcement checks.