From Cyprus Police
02/09/2019 18:45:00
Helpline 1498
The drug phenomenon, due to its many and serious implications for society, but also for the individual himself, is a
matter of immediate and lasting priority for the Police.
The main area of action of the Police is to suppress, arrest and bring traffickers and traffickers to justice.
Last August alone, the Counter Narcotics Service (YKAN) found cannabis with a total weight of more than 50 kg and
cocaine totaling ten kilograms. The quantities of drugs were identified as part of an investigation into seven serious
drug trafficking cases, in which 16 total suspects were arrested.
Suppression of drug trafficking also acts as a precautionary measure, but such repressive measures alone are never
sufficient.
The drug phenomenon is defined by the State as a Public Health issue and tackling it requires a humanitarian approach.
It is in the context of this humanitarian approach that the Police, in addition to preventing actions by informing the
various social groups, are implementing, through the Anti-Drug Service, the institution of the Social Intervention
Officer, a program that has been institutionally strengthened in recent years, with the signature Protocol of Cooperation
with other government and non-profit organizations, while operating under the umbrella of the Cyprus Dependencies
Authority.
Through the institution, the Social Intervention Officers of the YKAN Prevention Office provide counseling support
to individuals who voluntarily seek help from the Police. Their ultimate goal is to refer them to specialized centers for
treatment of addiction and psychological support.
In recent years more than 1700 people have turned to the Social Work Officers of YKAN. for help, and more than
1,450 people have been referred to specialized treatment centers.
Anyone who feels that they need help or advice on drug and addictive issues can contact YKAN's Social Intervention Officers. The hotline 1498 operates on a 24-hour basis to reach out to Social Workers and access their assistance .
Drugs are not the solution to any problem, but they are, on the contrary, the principle of creating dead ends with
catastrophic consequences.
We must remember that the holistic approach to the problem of addictive substances is aimed at developing and
cultivating an attitude of dependency that respects man and his needs.
We must all be companions in this endeavor. Let everyone contribute in their own way to developing a healthy society
from drugs.