On Thursday morning, it seized more than 6.5 kilograms of dried bulbs. Specifically, as part of the efforts by the Cyprus Anti-Narcotics Agency (YKAN) to identify individuals who smuggle narcotics in packages via courier companies, targeted operations were carried out today in the districts of Famagusta and Paphos.

In the Famagusta district, two individuals, aged 35 and 30, were arrested; packages were found in their possession containing dried poppy bulbs with a total gross weight of four kilograms and 450 grams.

Specifically, the 35-year-old was found to be in possession of a package he had received around 10:20 this morning from a courier company in the Famagusta district. Following an investigation conducted by members of the Drug Enforcement Agency (YKAN), it was determined that the package contained seven packets of dried poppy bulbs, with a total gross weight of one kilogram and 400 grams. He was arrested on the spot for a flagrant offense, and during a search of his home in the Famagusta district, a package with the same contents was found, with a total gross weight of one kilogram and 450 grams. Further investigations revealed that the arrested individual is residing illegally in the territory of the Republic of Cyprus.

A short time later, a second individual, aged 30, who had previously received a package from the same courier company, was stopped for inspection. A package was found in his possession containing dried poppy bulbs with a total gross weight of one kilogram and 600 grams, and he was arrested on the spot for a flagrant offense.

A third package with the same contents, with a total gross weight of one kilogram and 600 grams, was also found at the same company.

The two arrested individuals are expected to appear before the Famagusta District Court tomorrow morning for proceedings to issue detention orders against them.

Meanwhile, during the CYNAD’s investigation into the arrival at Larnaca Airport of a package containing half a kilogram of dried poppy bulbs, evidence emerged against a 38-year-old resident of Paphos.

The 38-year-old was spotted today riding his motorcycle on a road in Paphos and was stopped for inspection. One gram of powder, believed to have come from dried poppy bulbs, was found in his possession.

The 38-year-old was arrested and taken into custody; he is expected to appear before the Paphos District Court tomorrow morning for a hearing on the issuance of a detention order.

In recent days, following targeted operations by the Drug Enforcement Agency (YKAN), more than 58 kilograms of this narcotic substance have been seized, and 13 individuals have been arrested.

The operational activities and targeted actions of the Drug Enforcement Agency to detect and combat the importation, trafficking, and sale of narcotics continue with undiminished intensity throughout Cyprus.