RECORD DRUG SEIZURES - 300kg IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 2026 - CONCERNS ABOUT THE 'JIHADIST PILL' - Filenews 27/3 by Michalis Chatzivasilis
The quantities of drugs detected this year have more than tripled, which confirms the increasing demand and the repeated strikes of YKAN on smugglers.
Before the first quarter of 2026 ends, the Anti-Narcotics Service has also recorded an unprecedented record of seizures with about 250 kilograms of cannabis and cannabis resin and 64 kilograms of cocaine. The detection of the largest amount of drugs in a business contributed to the increased quantities, with 233,5 kilograms being confiscated and four persons sent to trial before a Criminal Court.
The most worrying thing is that last year throughout the year, 800 kilograms of cannabis were found, while this year only for three months, 250 kilograms have been confiscated. Also, a total of 50 kilograms of cocaine were seized last year, while this year only in three months 64 kilograms. If these rhythms continue, then no one can calculate where the foreclosures will go.
The curious thing is that the rings that have huge amounts of money for the purchase and the attempt to import drugs into Cyprus, despite the blows, continue their illegal action by recruiting young people, unknown to YKAN, to implement their plans. For the purchase of the 233 kilos identified in January, the rings behind spent a few million euros, which is a blow to them if the profits they would have from the disposal of thousands of instalments are also calculated. Another phenomenon observed this year is the importation through occupied territories of the so-called "jihadist pills", the well-known Captagons.
As it has been established, these drugs are transported through Syria to Turkey and from there to the occupied territories and then pass to the free areas. Also, this year, large quantities of drugs impregnated in A4 glues have been seized, an action that shows that the various circuits are inventing new tricks to import drugs. Such drugs are often found in prisons in the possession of prisoners.
Meanwhile, the 40-year-old Greek Cypriot who was arrested the day before yesterday in Nicosia by YKAN with a quantity of cocaine after a coordinated operation was taken to the Nicosia District Court yesterday. The suspect was arrested while he was on his way to pick up a package from a parcel courier company. Drugs – 550g. cocaine – were well hidden and sealed in dietary supplement formulations.
When interrogated, the suspect allegedly claims that he received instructions to receive the package, but without knowing its contents. Yesterday, he was taken to the Court which issued a detention order against him for seven days. The investigators of the Unit of YKAN Nicosia are looking for the accomplices of the 40-year-old, who are hiding behind the import of cocaine and apparently gave him instructions. The suspect is being investigated for offenses of illegal importation of drugs, illegal possession of drugs for the purpose of supplying another person, and conspiracy to commit a felony.
This package, as well as the second one found at the Central Post Office of Nicosia for which a 23-year-old man was arrested, had arrived from America, however, the two cases do not appear to be connected.
