Authorities seize 390kg of ketamine in Limassol drug operation

Cypriot police have seized over 390 kilograms of suspected ketamine in Limassol, marking one of the largest drug busts in recent years. The operation began on September 12, 2026, when authorities discovered 126 kilograms of the substance, along with small amounts of cocaine, methadone, MDMA, cash, and untaxed cigarettes at two residences. Four individuals—two couples from Palestine and Israel—were arrested and remanded in custody for eight days by the Limassol District Court.

Following evidence gathered during the initial investigation, police conducted a follow-up search on September 14 at a warehouse near the Limassol port, uncovering an additional 263.5 kilograms of ketamine. According to YKAN commander Christos Andreou, the drug was camouflaged as construction materials and arrived in containers from Germany. This quantity is estimated to represent at least 790,000 individual doses.

Investigators are currently working to determine whether Cyprus was the final destination for the shipments or a transit point for further distribution, potentially to Israel. Experts note that ketamine, a Class B drug, is being used to manufacture synthetic narcotics like "pink cocaine." While initial rumors suggested the drugs were moved via private yachts, police are focusing their probe on the shipping containers and potential earlier undetected shipments as the investigation continues.