30/11/20 Cyprus Police
Hotline 1498
"Prison sentences of 12 and 10 years to two persons, aged 48 and 38 years, for possession of eight
kilos of cocaine" – "Prison sentence of 12 years to a 26-year-old, for a case of importing 28 kg and
890 grams of cannabis" – "To eight years imprisonment of 38 years for possession of drugs for the
purpose of supplying to other persons" – "Prison sentences of 6 and 2 years to two persons, aged 33 and
24 years , for a drug case" – "Prison sentence of eight years to a 28-year-old for possession of cannabis
over 10 kg".
They've been some of the headlines in the Police Bulletin since the beginning of this year. Last May,
a resounding attack on drug trafficking also involved the seizure of a large quantity of cannabis weighing
72 kg and the arrest of five persons by the Anti-Drugs Agency - YKAN.
The phenomenon of drugs, because of the many serious consequences it has for society, but also for
the individual himself, is a matter of immediate and lasting priority for the Police.
The most important area of action of the Police is the repression, arrest and bringing traders and
traffickers to justice. The suppression of drug trafficking also acts as a preventive measure, but such
repressive measures alone are never sufficient.
The drug problem is defined by the State as a matter of public health and its treatment requires a
humanitarian approach. It is in the context of this humanitarian approach that the Police, in addition to
prevention through actions to inform the various social groups, implements, through the YKAN, the institution
of the Social Intervention Officer.
Through the institution, the Social Intervention Officers, of the YKAN Prevention Office, provide counselling
support to people who voluntarily seek assistance from the Police. The ultimate goal is to refer them to
specialized centers for rehabilitation treatment and psychological support.
Anyone who feels they need help or advice on drug and addictive issues can contact the Social Intervention
Officers of YKAN. For communication with Social Intervention Officers and access to the assistance they
provide, the 1498Helpline operates 24 hours a day.
In recent years more than 1700 people have turned to the Social Intervention Officers of YKAN for
assistance. More than 1450 people have been referred to specialized treatment centers.
Institutionally, the Social Intervention Officers programme has been strengthened in recent years, with the
signing of a Cooperation Protocol with other state and non-profit organisations, and operates under
the umbrella of the Cyprus Addiction Response Authority.
Drugs are not the solution to any problem, but on the contrary, it is the beginning of creating many
deadlocks with disastrous consequences. We must remember that the holistic approach to the problem
of addictive substances is aimed at developing and cultivating an attitude of life without dependencies,
which respects man and his needs.
Escorts in this effort must all be. To contribute in our own way to the development of a healthy society, away
from drugs.
