New dangerous types of narcotics and increased quantities on the market appear to be the current reality in Cyprus with regard to this scourge, with the Cyprus Anti-Drug Agency (YKAN) and its members on high alert to combat it.

Speaking on the subject during the “Alpha Kalimera” program, the Deputy Director of YKAN, Christos Andreou, referring also to yesterday’s press conference held at Police Headquarters, said that opiate drugs are a phenomenon they intend to combat, with all members of the Service “out in the field conducting intensive investigations in order to seize all quantities that are identified.”

It appears that this issue is widespread, even though initial indications suggested it was a limited phenomenon, said Mr. Andreou, referring to the latest cases involving the detection and seizure of dried poppies of the Mikon or Hypnophorus species.

As of yesterday, the YKAN had seized approximately 30 kilograms of such opium-based narcotics, which, as Mr. Andreou emphasized, are very dangerous, since after they are processed and consumed, the side effects are unknown in every individual.

YKAN’s operations, however, continued yesterday throughout Cyprus, while in Nicosia, Limassol, and Larnaca, additional packages of these poppies were discovered, leading the police to arrest five individuals. Specifically, according to the Deputy Commander of YKAN, yesterday’s operation led to the discovery and seizure of over 21 kilograms of this drug.

The relevant cases investigated so far by the YKAN indicate that this drug is reaching Cyprus via courier companies originating from two European countries.

Meanwhile, all individuals arrested in connection with the Hypnoforos cases are nationals of a specific Asian country, and it appears, according to Mr. Andreou, that these drugs are very widespread in their home country.

Looking at the bigger picture, Mr. Andreou said that, unfortunately, new drugs—including new synthetic drugs—are constantly being discovered. For example, as he noted, in the Famagusta district, in addition to cannabis resin, the synthetic drug “Kif” was discovered yesterday, which has a much higher concentration of the active ingredient than the common cannabis plant.

In addition, liquid cocaine was discovered and seized at Larnaca Airport, leading to the arrest of a 65-year-old man. He went on to he said that this is a type with a 97% concentration of the narcotic substance, which means that the 4 kilograms of liquid cocaine found could, after processing, yield up to three times that amount.

This is the first time that Cypriot authorities have detected this type of drug in such a quantity, said Mr. Andreou, adding that the Cyprus Anti-Narcotics Agency (YKAN) is continuing its investigation into the case in an effort to determine where the liquid cocaine came from and where it was headed.

Furthermore, another substance identified by authorities this year is Captagon, which “is also very dangerous” and “is more commonly used in Middle Eastern countries.” Last year, Mr. Andreou said, the YKAN had identified 32 Captagon batches throughout the year, and this year seizures have exceeded 1,100.

The police, however, do not limit themselves to detection, seizures, and arrests, but also conduct financial investigations, with the Deputy Director of YKAN noting in particular that “over the past five years, they have frozen and confiscated assets totaling more than 2.5 million euros.”

According to Mr. Andreou, on information, which is why the 1498 hotline is available 24 hours a day, allowing citizens to provide information either by name or anonymously. In fact, on this line, “the phone numbers from which calls are made are not visible, nor are they recorded.” At the same time, there are platforms on the police website where people can provide information either by name or anonymously.

SEE ALSO: PHOTO: YKAN Seizes Another 20 kg of Opioid Drugs | AlphaNews