Filenews 3 February 2023 - by Dora Christodoulou
While the Police located at dawn today a piece of the bronze sculpture stolen in Paphos last Friday, the case acquires new dimensions after clear suspicions by the Mayor of Paphos that a case of drug trafficking is behind the theft and dissection of the statue.
In a post on social media, Phaedon Phaedon wrote specifically, without clarifying whether he implied that the theft was done in order to secure money for the bronze work or whether it was done in order for the shredded statue to be placed and drugs to be trafficked: "The small statue was found shredded. Drugs are one of the most serious problems in our society. Well done to the Police for the work they have done."
According to the Paphos Police Director, Nikos Tsapis, based on information given to the Paphos ICF on Thursday afternoon, members of the force during all-night searches located in a rural area of the village of Tremithousa, a piece that is believed to come from the bronze sculpture extracted by strangers from Ibrahim's Hani.
Mr. Tsapis said the scene has been placed under guard and examinations began at first light to locate the remaining pieces.
Since Wednesday the Police have arrested a 55-year-old, a 37-year-old and a 24-year-old, while a 50-year-old is also wanted. A 43-year-old woman is also wanted in the same case. The 55-year-old confessed to committing the offence.
