As part of the Cyprus Police’s decisive and intensified efforts to combat organized crime and completely dismantle criminal networks involved in drug trafficking , a large-scale, coordinated, island-wide police operation codenamed “PLEMA” was carried out today, November 5, 2026.
The operation was coordinated and carried out by the newly established Directorate for Combating Organized Crime (DAOE) of the Cyprus Police and is the culmination of a months-long, systematic, and multi-level police investigation that began in February 2026, following a major success by the Drug Enforcement Agency (YKAN).
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
THE BEGINNING OF THE CASE
Specifically, on February 19, 2026, as part of a coordinated operation by YKAN in the Nicosia district, members of the Service pulled over a vehicle carrying two individuals for inspection. During the search, 11,480 firecrackers were found and seized, while quantities of cannabis and cocaine were found in the possession of one of the occupants.
This was followed by searches of a residence and properties linked to the driver of the vehicle, during which the following items, among others, were found and seized: 167 kilograms of cannabis, 62 kilograms of cocaine, 4.5 kilograms of cannabis resin, firearms, explosive devices, a sum of money, and e-cigarettes that appeared to contain narcotic substances.
Five individuals are already in custody as defendants in this case.
This specific case served as the starting point for extensive and in-depth investigations, which continued over the following months, with the aim of uncovering the scope of the criminal activity, identifying those involved, unraveling the connections, and dismantling the broader criminal infrastructure.
OPERATION “PLEGMA” – PAN-CYPRIOT COORDINATED ACTION
As a result of the ongoing investigation, Operation “PLEGMA” was organized and carried out today, with the participation of members of the DAOE.
The coordinated police operations extended to the districts of Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, and Famagusta, as well as at the Central Prisons, demonstrating the operation’s broad scope and multifaceted nature.
During the operation, arrest warrants were executed and 26 individuals were arrested, who are alleged to be involved in offenses under investigation, including:
- Illegal procurement and possession of Class A and B controlled substances.
- Illegal possession of controlled substances for the purpose of distribution.
- Participation in a criminal organization.
- Conspiracy to commit a felony.
- Participation in and acceptance of the commission of crimes.
- Money laundering.
- Illegal possession of explosive materials.
- Distribution of pharmaceutical products without the required license.
- Other related offenses.
At the same time, based on judicial search warrants, 27 searches were conducted at residences, premises, and vehicles belonging to individuals under investigation, as well as in cells at the Central Prison. During the searches, the following items were located and seized:
- A sum of €25,025 in cash
- 37 cell phones
- One pistol
- One hunting rifle
- A small amount of cannabis
- Two grinders containing a small amount of cannabis
- Two partially smoked cannabis cigarettes
- Approximately 10 grams of cocaine
- 13 cartridges of various calibers
- 534 hunting cartridges
- 8 precision scales
- 354 firecrackers
- 456 flares
- 22 fireworks
- 192 sparklers
- 2 smoke bombs
THE GOAL: THE ECONOMIC DISMANTLING OF CRIMINAL NETWORKS
Particular emphasis was placed on the financial investigation of the case “PLEGMA,” was placed on the financial investigation of the case, with the aim of identifying and seizing illegal financial resources and assets linked to criminal activity.
Specifically, in cooperation with the Unit for Combating Concealment Offenses (MOKAS), relevant court orders were obtained to freeze assets, including:
- A residence, parcels of land, and vehicles (10 cars and two motorcycles) with a total estimated value of approximately €400,000.
- A sum of €100,000 has been frozen to date.
This specific action is an essential part of the Cyprus Police’s overall strategy, as the fight against organized crime is not limited solely to the arrest of those involved and the seizure of illicit substances.
The goal is to simultaneously dismantle all levels of criminal organizations’ operations: their members, their trafficking networks, their support mechanisms, their financial activities, and the illicit financial gains they derive.
ZERO TOLERANCE – COMPLETE DISMANTLING OF ORGANIZED CRIME
Operation “PLEGMA” highlights the Cyprus Police’s new operational approach, through the enhanced and coordinating role of the DAOE and the utilization of its specialized services and operational capabilities.
The Police’s strategy is clear: It is not enough to locate and arrest individual traffickers. The goal is the complete dismantling of criminal organizations, dismantling their networks, severing their connections, and depriving them of the financial resources that allow them to continue their illegal activities.
The Cyprus Police is sending a clear message that the fight against organized crime is ongoing, targeted, and multifaceted. Operations will continue with determination, utilizing every lawful operational and investigative means, with the ultimate goal of protecting society—and especially the younger generation—from the scourge of drugs and organized crime.
The Cyprus Police Force does not limit itself to combating criminal activity. Its goal is to get to the very heart of criminal organizations and completely dismantle them.
