The case involving the discovery of a large quantity of ketamine in Limassol is taking on an even greater dimension, after the Anti-Drug Squad (YKAN), following the initial 126kg found on Saturday, located a further 263.5kg on Monday morning in a customs clearance warehouse near the New Limassol Port, bringing the total quantity to almost 390kg. While initial information suggested the large quantities were destined for the Cypriot market, specifically Israeli permanent residents of Cyprus, YKAN is now seriously investigating the possibility that Cyprus served as a transit point, with part of the drugs being transported from here onward to Israel, possibly via luxury yachts and marinas.
YKAN's investigations at the two residences where the initial quantities were found led to documents and other evidence "pointing to" the customs clearance warehouse near the new port. At the same time, this same evidence appears to have "pinpointed" the country from which the ketamine arrived in Cyprus, with information so far pointing to Germany for both "batches." The new quantity had been carefully hidden and camouflaged among construction materials, with the Port of Limassol identified as the point of entry.
More quantities possible
YKAN has not ruled out the possibility that further quantities may be found, as it is estimated the drugs arrived in Cyprus relatively recently, with investigators even examining the possibility that shipments may already be at sea. Investigators are now attempting to map the entire route of the shipments, from importation and storage through to their final destination, as well as the individuals involved at each stage. The initial information placed before investigators referred to a criminal group made up of Israeli nationals and individuals of Arab origin, reportedly active in the importation and distribution of drugs.
Different roles
Examinations, still at an early stage, indicate at first sight that the four individuals did not hold the same role within the ring. Two couples remain in custody, one from Israel and one from Palestine, aged 50, 53, 49 and 32. One couple reportedly played a decisive role in managing the large quantities, holding a specific position and giving instructions to other individuals. The suspects, however, are putting forward differing accounts regarding the origin and possession of the drugs, and do not appear so far to have cooperated substantively with the authorities. Particular weight is also being placed on the final destination of the ketamine.
The substance is used, among other things, as a key ingredient in the production of so-called "dosa" or "pink cocaine," a drug that has become widespread in Israel's nightlife scene. Despite its name, it is not cocaine, but a mixture of psychoactive substances that often includes ketamine, MDMA, caffeine and other compounds.
"Unprecedented quantity"
Speaking on Politis 106.7 and 96.7, YKAN commander Christos Andreou described the case as particularly serious, noting that YKAN's aim is to identify all individuals who may be involved. He said there was currently no evidence pointing directly to a new arrest, though this could not be ruled out should new testimony emerge. Particular significance is being placed on the fact that quantities of ketamine of this scale had never previously been found in Cyprus. According to the police spokesperson, from 2022 up until this case, a total of around 220 grams had been seized, underlining the unprecedented scale of this new seizure.
