Over 380 kilograms of ketamine seized in major Cyprus drug bust

Cypriot authorities have dismantled an organized drug trafficking ring following a significant operation in Limassol and Larnaca. On September 12, 2026, police arrested four suspects—two Israeli citizens (a 53-year-old man and his wife) and two Palestinian citizens (a 50-year-old man and his wife)—after searching properties in Ypsonas and Mouttagiaka. Officers initially discovered 126 kilograms and 630 grams of ketamine, along with smaller quantities of cocaine, methedrone, MDMA, 4,150 euros in cash, and untaxed cigarettes. The Limassol District Court remanded all four suspects into custody for eight days on September 13 to facilitate ongoing investigations.

Police believe the criminal network used luxury yachts to smuggle drugs into Cyprus from Israel, often disguising the shipments as construction materials or sanitary ware. Following the initial arrests, authorities extended their investigation to a storage facility near the Limassol port, where they discovered an additional 260 kilograms of ketamine on September 14. This brings the total volume of seized substances to over 380 kilograms. Justice Minister Costas Fytiris praised the operation, emphasizing that combating organized crime remains a top government priority. Investigators are currently processing evidence, including mobile phones and precision scales, to uncover the full extent of the trafficking operation.