Two men arrested in Paphos following anti-poaching operation

Police in Paphos, Cyprus, arrested two men, aged 23 and 21, during an anti-poaching operation late Friday night. The suspects were intercepted around 11:00 p.m. while driving through a field between Androlykou and Neo Chorio, where they were observed chasing a hare with their vehicle. Despite an initial attempt to evade authorities by speeding, the police successfully stopped the car. A 19-year-old woman, who was also in the vehicle, was released as no evidence was found against her.

Searches of the suspects' vehicle and properties led to the discovery of significant evidence, including 26 live shotgun cartridges, three spent cartridges, hunting shotguns, dead wild birds, an iron trap, and an electronic device used to mimic animal calls. Police also recovered three bags containing dark meat suspected to be from the protected Cypriot mouflon, pending further forensic analysis. Authorities additionally seized two mobile phones containing videos related to illegal activities. An investigation remains ongoing to confirm the origin of the meat and the full extent of the poaching activities.