Cyprus police seize 126 kilograms of ketamine in Limassol operation

On September 12, 2026, the Cyprus Drug Law Enforcement Unit (YKAN) in coordination with the Limassol Information Management and Analysis Service (YDAP) conducted a major operation targeting a suspected drug trafficking ring in Limassol. Following two days of surveillance, authorities searched two residences, leading to the arrest of four foreign nationals—two couples from Israel and Palestine. While initial police reports erroneously suggested a large quantity of cocaine, subsequent analysis confirmed the seizure of 126.63 kilograms of ketamine, along with smaller amounts of cocaine, methadrone, MDMA, cash, and smuggled tobacco.

Investigations revealed the suspects were allegedly part of a criminal network using luxury yachts to smuggle narcotics disguised as construction materials through Limassol and Larnaca ports. The illicit substances were reportedly intended for distribution exclusively among the Israeli community residing in Cyprus. Evidence suggests this group may have previously imported other shipments of narcotics via similar maritime routes.

On September 13, the four suspects appeared before the Limassol District Court, which ordered their detention for eight days to facilitate ongoing investigations. Authorities are continuing to analyze digital evidence and search for potential accomplices connected to this international smuggling operation.