Three suspects remanded in Limassol ketamine case

A Limassol court has extended the detention of three individuals—a 50-year-old Palestinian and an Israeli couple, a 53-year-old man and his 51-year-old wife—by eight days in connection with a massive ketamine smuggling operation. The investigation began following a tip-off that led authorities to seize 127 kilograms of ketamine on September 12, 2026, followed by an additional 263.5 kilograms discovered on September 14 at a warehouse identified by the 50-year-old suspect. The total amount of seized narcotics currently stands at approximately 390 kilograms.

The 50-year-old suspect, who initially denied involvement, has now admitted to receiving paint buckets containing narcotics from a warehouse and storing them in exchange for a 5,000 euro fee, though he claims he was unaware the substance was specifically ketamine. Police records indicate the drugs were imported in three separate shipments on July 22, August 12, and September 9, 2026. While some sources identify the source as Germany via shipping containers, others mention luxury yachts arriving from Israel, with authorities currently coordinating with German officials to trace the transit network. An initial female suspect was released after no evidence was found against her.

Authorities are analyzing shipping invoices, CCTV footage, and mobile phone data that allegedly link the suspects to the imports. The investigation remains ongoing as police continue to verify transport documentation and international connections.