How the Police Tracked Down a Trafficking Ring and Stopped the Opium Trade in Cyprus
In early June, an alarm was raised with police authorities and the Drug Enforcement Agency, as a ring appeared to be supplying the market with dried poppy capsules of the species Papaver somniferum.
A package containing ten kilograms of poppy seeds had arrived in Cyprus, prompting the authorities to take targeted action, began piecing together the network responsible for selling this particular drug.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
However, what caused a stir in the case was the fact that the dried poppy pods were openly advertised on the TikTok platform, leading authorities to identify the videos and take action.
(PHOTO FROM THE SEIZURE OPERATION)
60 kilograms, 17 cases, 21 arrests, 2 fugitives
This opiate-based drug was being distributed by individuals of Indian origin who are permanent residents of Cyprus.
Speaking to “Alpha on Sunday,” YKAN Commander Christos Andreou stated that within a short period of time, he tracked down a significant number of individuals who had imported this drug into Cyprus. It subsequently located and seized over 60 kilograms of dried bulbs.
According to the YKAN, those involved had begun their operations in all cities across free Cyprus. Via Austria, they had managed to import a significant quantity and distribute it on the market before their operations were halted. The drugs were imported in packages that arrived on the island by air, and deliveries were made via courier companies.
First Operation
On June 19, a package containing 10 kilograms of dried poppy capsules of the “Mikon” or “Hypnotic” variety arrived in Cyprus, and the YKAN proceeded to arrest one individual. According to Mr. Andreou, within a span of just ten days, YKAN uncovered 17 cases of importation, arrested 21 Indian nationals, while two others remain at large and appear to have left the territory of the Republic of Cyprus.
Of the 17 cases, seven were in Nicosia, one in Larnaca, five in Limassol, three in the Famagusta District, and one in Paphos. The 21 arrested individuals are currently awaiting trial at the Central Prisons.
The packages were pouring in
As members of the Drug Enforcement Agency conducted their investigations, they discovered not only large quantities of drugs but also packages that were on their way into the country. However, the arrested individuals—that is, those who cooperated with the police—had stated that they were unaware that the substance was illegal. These claims did not convince the investigators, as the packages were camouflaged with labels indicating false contents, such as art supplies and decorative items in some cases.
As “Alpha” had revealed, the purchase price of the drug was 40 euros per 250 grams, and it was sold for double that price, yielding easy money and profits for the Indians, who distributed them to their compatriots.
According to estimates by the National Authority for Combating Drugs (YKAN) and based on the investigations conducted, the activities of those involved had begun last February. In fact, they managed to distribute a significant quantity of this particular drug onto the market.
