Filenews 27 December 2025 - by Michalis Chatzivasilis
The quantities of drugs detected this year have quadrupled compared to four years ago, while if one calculates the drugs seized by YKAN in the last five years, they exceed 2.5 tons!
The quantities uncovered this year by the Anti-Narcotics Service, which has often collaborated with the Customs Department, are unprecedented and have exceeded 800 kg in terms of cannabis, which is the first substance of use in Cyprus. What stands out this year from the seizures, although the quantity is relatively small, are the captagon pills. For the first time in our country, such drugs are detected, the so-called "jihadist pills".
YKAN was warned in the middle of 2025 about the circulation of these drugs that are mainly used by jihadists, since it is a chemical preparation which, in addition to energy (you may not sleep for several 24 hours), inhibits the user's defenses, as a result of which he does not have sufficient awareness of what he is doing. The Combat Service detected 68.50 captagon tablets this year in three cases, two in Limassol and one in Nicosia.
Also, the Service found: 122 pieces of paper impregnated with LSD, 74g. as well as 5 amphetamine tablets and 6 kg and 414g. Methamphetamine. What the data of recent years show, users have turned away from heroin, which is considered one of the most dangerous drugs, since in 2025 only 4,5g were detected. while in previous years not a trace of it.
Seizures of doping substances are also increased since this year 701 tablets, 330 vials, 32 syringes, 78 vials and 10 bottles have been found. An increase is observed in tetrahydrocannabinol preparations, since last year 1,802 and this year 3,152 were detected, as well as 444 g. compared to 69 last year.
Three main portals
We turned to the commander of YKAN, Christos Andreou, about the factors that are responsible for the increase in the quantities of drugs seized this year. As Mr. Andreou told "F", the operations of YKAN are now targeted, that is, the data is analyzed, it is determined which are the gates where the drugs enter and all the weight of the efforts falls on them.
At the moment, smugglers are attempting to transport the drugs through three channels: Larnaca airport, Limassol port through containers and parcel companies. These gates were in the past in the frame of YKAN, however, now they seem to be the most popular among traffickers, who, by the way, have no direct contact with drugs and use persons unknown to YKAN as smugglers to transport drugs to Cyprus.
YKAN Governor: Over 1,000 cases every year
According to the commander of YKAN, Christos Andreou, the increase in the quantities detected by the Service is also related to the fact that the illegals belonging to circuits have changed tactics and attempt to transport large quantities at once instead of bringing small quantities many times. Other reasons that contributed to the increase in drugs seized are the cooperation with foreign Services, but also the contribution of the Customs Department.
It is noted that according to YKAN data, in 2021, 240 kilograms of cannabis were seized, in 2022, 348, in 2023, 544 kilograms of cannabis, in 2024, 617 kilograms and this year, 805 kilograms of cannabis. As for cocaine, in 2023 24 kilograms and 691 grams were seized, in 2024, 54 kilograms and 122 grams. And this year, 20 kg and 651g. For ecstasy, in '23 1,753 tablets were found and confiscated, in '24 another 696 and this year 23 tablets. For THC or tetrahydrocannabinol, the data show that in '23 5,093 packages were detected, in '24 1,802 and in '25 another 2,034 packages.
It is characteristic that in the context of the cooperation of YKAN with the Customs Department, only at Larnaca airport, about 200 kilograms of cannabis have been located and confiscated, from the beginning of the year until today.
Regarding the cases investigated every year by YKAN, these range from just over a thousand, which shows the great spread of drug possession and trafficking.
The other role of YKAN
An important role of YKAN is its social service, which acts as the largest referral body for drug addicts to state treatment centers and non-governmental organizations. As Mr. Andreou explained, the Service has been awarded by OEB with the innovation award, while the European Commission for Drugs considers it to be the first repressive Service that also has a social role. YKAN on the basis of a cooperation protocol with other Services, suggests that people aged 14-24, who are arrested for use not for trafficking, to attend treatment programs instead of being taken to Court.
This year, the social intervention officers of YKAN had meetings with 290 people (197 beneficiaries/users of addictive substances and 93 people from their family/support environment). Of these, most referrals were made to Limassol, followed by Nicosia, Paphos, Larnaca and Famagusta. One person was referred for treatment in the province of Morphou.
At the same time, the Prevention Office of YKAN undertakes the planning and implementation of actions and focused prevention mainly on the National Guard and secondary school students.
Quantities equal to 2.2 million doses
According to Mr. Andreou, the drugs seized this year correspond to millions of doses. He avoided mentioning their value on the black market, however, he stressed that the cannabis seized in '25 is equivalent to about two million doses, cocaine in 100,000 doses and methamphetamine (6,5 kg) in 20,000 doses. We are talking about outrageous amounts that would end up users and traders getting rich, gaining enormous financial power.
