Police in the Paphos district are investigating a case of poaching and have arrested two individuals, aged 23 and 21. During the searches conducted at the residence and premises of the two suspects, dead wild birds, a hunting firearm, as well as other evidence related to the poaching case.
Specifically, members of the Poaching Suppression Unit of the MMAD, in collaboration with other police officers, conducted an operation yesterday in the Paphos district, following tips regarding poaching. Around 11:00 p.m., police officers spotted a car driving through a field, with the driver using the vehicle to chase a hare.
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When police officers attempted to stop the vehicle for inspection, the driver accelerated to escape. However, the police officers managed to stop the vehicle and conducted a search of the three people inside. They were a 23-year-old, a 21-year-old, and a 19-year-old.
During a search of the vehicle, 26 fully loaded shotgun shells were found, as well as three spent shells from a double-barreled and a single-barreled hunting shotgun. Subsequent searches of the homes and premises of the 23-year-old and 21-year-old led to the discovery and seizure of:
- A number of dead wild birds
- Three nylon bags containing a quantity of dark meat; tests to determine the species of animal from which it originated are ongoing
- A double-barreled hunting shotgun
- An iron trap, believed to be used for trapping animals
- A makeshift device for reproducing bird calls
- 15 one-liter plastic pesticide containers
- Two metal detectors
- An electric shock device
In addition, two cell phones belonging to the two suspects were located and seized for examination; they appear to contain photo and video files believed to be related to poaching.
The 23-year-old and 21-year-old were arrested by police officers and taken into custody for the purposes of investigating the case. The 19-year-old was released, as no evidence was found against her in connection with the poaching case.
The Chrysokhou City Police Station is continuing its investigation.
