Drug trafficking arrests at Larnaca airport and Nicosia
On October 23, 2026, Cypriot authorities conducted two major anti-drug operations. In the first case, a 19-year-old British passport holder was arrested at Larnaca International Airport after arriving on a flight from Thailand via Dubai. Customs officials and the Anti-Drugs Unit (YKAN) discovered approximately 28 kilograms of cannabis, packed in 26 airtight nylon bags, hidden within his two suitcases. The suspect remains in custody and is expected to appear before the Larnaca District Court to face remand proceedings.
In a separate, unrelated operation in Nicosia, a 42-year-old man was arrested in flagrante delicto at a post office while collecting a suspicious parcel. Upon inspection, authorities found approximately one kilogram of crystal methamphetamine. A subsequent search of the suspect's residence uncovered a small quantity of cannabis, various documents, and four mobile phones. The suspect was detained and is scheduled to appear before the Nicosia District Court. Investigations in both cases are ongoing to identify wider trafficking networks, with Interpol expected to be notified regarding the airport seizure.