The Anti-Narcotics Agency today presented its work for the first half of 2026. The data are important indicators of developments in the illicit drug market.
The results of YKAN operations and surveys during the first six months of the year show that the fight against drugs continues with undiminished intensity and determination.
Seizures of YKAN – First Half 2026
According to the data for the first half of 2026, compared to the corresponding period of 2025, significant differences are recorded both in terms of the types and quantities of drugs detected and seized.
Main Conclusions
Cocaine: A particularly significant increase is recorded, from about 30.2 kg in 2025 to 71.5 kg in 2026, which corresponds to an increase of more than 130%. This development demonstrates the increased effort to distribute this substance, but also the effectiveness of YKAN operations in detecting it.Methamphetamine: Seizures increased from 461 grams to more than 2.3 kilograms, which confirms the presence of potent synthetic drugs in the Cypriot market. Cannabis Resin: While in 2025 only 583 grams were seized, in 2026 seizures exceeded 47.5 kilograms, showing an impressive increase.Cannabis: Although the quantities seized show a decrease compared to 2025 (244 kg compared to 511 kg), the quantities remain particularly large and confirm that cannabis is still the most widespread illegal drug in Cyprus. YKAN cases: As of June 22, 2026, 539 cases were investigated, compared to 562 in the corresponding period of 2025, a number that remains at particularly high levels.
The emergence of new drugs in Cyprus is of particular importance and at the same time of particular concern.
In the first half of 2026, significant quantities of substances such as:
1.5 kg and 993 A4 sheets impregnated with synthetic cannabinoid MDMB-4EN-PINACA, as well as 1,121 Captagon tablets.31.5 kg the Long Sleeper, known for the production of opiates1 kg of Kief, which is a concentrated cannabis product, of high potency
It is important to mention that in the last few days alone, more than 30 kilograms of opiate and Kief poppies have been seized, while ten persons have been arrested in Nicosia, Limassol and Famagusta, who are in custody. Tests and investigations to detect similar substances continue at an intensive pace.
These substances are in many cases extremely dangerous, while some of them are relatively new to the European market and their effects on the health of users are not always fully known.
These developments confirm that more and more new types of drugs have been detected in our country lately. Criminal networks are constantly looking for new ways and new substances to channel into the illicit market. However, the recent major seizures demonstrate YKAN's readiness, vigilance, and determination to effectively deal with any new threat.
Freezing of property over €2.5 million
In addition to the arrests and seizures of drugs, the economic blow to organised crime and drug traffickers is of particular importance. That is why the action of YKAN is not limited to the prevention of drug trafficking, but also extends to the detection and freezing of illegal proceeds and property resulting from this activity.
In the context of the investigation of any drug case, where evidence or reasonable suspicions arise that individuals have obtained benefits or income from drug trafficking, YKAN (in cooperation with MOKAS) also carries out an Economic Investigation.
From these investigations, we have proceeded from 2020 until the end of 2025 to the confiscation or freezing of property, which exceeds €2.5 million. For 2025 alone, the value of property exceeds one million euros.
