Authorities in Cyprus seize over 390kg of ketamine in major operation

Cypriot police have dismantled an organized drug trafficking network, seizing a total of 390.5 kilograms of ketamine following a series of operations in Limassol. The investigation began on September 12, 2026, when authorities searched two residences, arresting two couples—a 53-year-old Israeli man with his 51-year-old wife and a 50-year-old Palestinian man with his 35-year-old wife. Police discovered 126.6 kilograms of ketamine concealed as construction materials and sanitary ware, alongside smaller amounts of cocaine, methadone, and MDMA, as well as 4,150 euros in cash. On September 13, the Limassol District Court remanded all four suspects into custody for eight days.

Following further investigation, police raided a warehouse near the Limassol port on September 14, uncovering an additional 263.5 kilograms of the substance, which had reportedly arrived in a shipping container from Germany. YKAN commander Christos Andreou stated that the drugs may have been intended for the production of "pink cocaine" or were being transited through Cyprus for other markets. Officials are currently investigating the logistics of the imports, the potential involvement of other individuals, and whether the group utilized yachts to transport the illicit materials as initially suspected.