Police crackdown on illegal bird trapping in Larnaca district

On September 20, 2026, the Anti-Poaching Unit of the MMAD (Special Police Force) conducted an operation in the Larnaca district of Cyprus. The authorities targeted an area where hunting is prohibited as part of ongoing efforts to combat illegal bird trapping and poaching.

During the sweep, officers discovered and seized seven trapping nets and three acoustic devices used to imitate bird calls. Within the nets, police found 115 wild birds in total; 103 were still alive and were subsequently released back into the wild, while 12 birds were found dead. These measures follow a broader state initiative to curb environmental crimes and protect migratory bird populations.

The Kofinou Regional Police Station is currently leading the investigation. Authorities are actively searching for the individual or individuals responsible for managing the site and setting up the illegal equipment. Further inquiries are underway to identify the perpetrator, and legal proceedings will follow once the suspect is apprehended.