Cyprus police launch nationwide operation Plegma to dismantle drug network

On November 5, 2026, the Cyprus Police conducted a major nationwide operation codenamed 'Plegma' (Network), coordinated by the newly established Directorate for Combating Organised Crime (DAOE). The operation resulted in the arrest of 26 individuals suspected of involvement in drug trafficking networks. The initiative received strong public support from the Ministry of Justice, which pledged additional staffing, equipment, and legislative backing to bolster future anti-crime efforts.

Investigations into the group began following a significant drug seizure in February 2026, where police discovered 167kg of cannabis and 62kg of cocaine, along with a large quantity of firecrackers. Financial investigators have since tracked the profits of the syndicate, successfully freezing 350,000 euros in cash and over 400,000 euros in property assets. According to Christos Andreou, director of DAOE, the arrests include individuals believed to hold leadership roles within the criminal organization.

Authorities are now focusing on the financial trail to dismantle the top tiers of the network and recover illegal proceeds. Investigations are ongoing, with police aiming to trace further assets and fully expose the hierarchy of the trafficking group.