Three suspects remanded in Limassol ketamine trafficking case

On September 21, 2026, the Limassol District Court ordered an eight-day extension of detention for three suspects involved in a major drug trafficking case. The individuals in custody include a 50-year-old Palestinian man and an Israeli couple, aged 53 and 51, while another female suspect has been released. The investigation focuses on the seizure of approximately 390 kilograms of ketamine.

The 50-year-old suspect admitted to authorities that he retrieved the drugs from a warehouse near the Limassol port and stored them while awaiting delivery instructions, expecting a payment of €5,000. Following his testimony, police discovered an additional 263 kilograms of ketamine at the warehouse, bringing the total amount seized to 390 kilograms. Evidence indicates that the illicit substances were imported in three separate shipments occurring on July 22 and August 12, among others.

Police are currently analyzing invoices, security footage, and mobile phone data to determine the specific roles of the suspects in the operation. Investigations by the Anti-Narcotics Service (YKAN) are ongoing to map the full network behind these imports. The suspects remain in custody as authorities continue to process the evidence and identify potential associates in this large-scale smuggling ring.