Seizures of opiate-based drugs have exceeded 50 kg, with the Cyprus Anti-Narcotics Agency (YKAN) continuing its intensive investigations to locate additional quantities that appear to have been smuggled into the market by Indians.

As reported by the station’s Limassol correspondent, Erica Kavazi, on the Alpha News program, all those arrested so far are Indian nationals.

Authorities carried out new operations on Wednesday, seizing a total of over 20 kg of dried poppy capsules of the species Papaver somniferum (Papaver somniferum), in Nicosia, Larnaca, and Limassol, with the largest quantity found in Limassol.

In Nicosia, a 27-year-old man was taken into custody after a package containing 2.6 kilograms was delivered in his name.

Meanwhile, in Limassol, a 22-year-old man—who is already in custody on a similar charge—was re-arrested in connection with a package containing 7.5 kilograms. Additionally, two more individuals, aged 20 and 23, were arrested in Limassol in connection with packages containing 2.7 kilograms.

In Larnaca, a 27-year-old was arrested for a package containing 6.3 kilograms of drugs.

At the same time, the Cyprus Anti-Narcotics Agency (YKAN) has located and seized two additional packages containing nearly two kilograms in two separate cases, for which arrest warrants have been issued against two individuals.

Most of those arrested are not cooperating, while those who are have admitted to importing opiate-based drugs, claiming they were for themselves and their friends.

They also claimed that the drug is legal in their country, which is not true.

Reports indicate that additional quantities are expected to be found, and it cannot be ruled out that new packages may arrive even later today.