The Cyprus anti-drugs squad has seized about 390 kilogrammes of ketamine in Limassol, one of the largest hauls of the substance ever recorded on the island, with authorities estimating the quantity could have produced at least 790,000 doses.
Four people have been detained in connection with the case, while investigators are examining whether additional shipments of the drug may have entered Cyprus previously.
Anti-Drugs Unit (YKAN) commander Christos Andreou told CNA the operation was launched following intelligence that was evaluated and acted upon by the service.
Officers initially discovered 127kg of ketamine. Subsequent investigations led them to a warehouse in Limassol, where a further 263.5kg was found, bringing the total seizure to approximately 390kg.
Andreou described the quantity as particularly significant, noting that it corresponded to at least 790,000 doses.
The detained suspects remain under investigation as authorities pursue leads on possible links to other consignments. Asked whether additional quantities connected to the same shipment may exist, Andreou said YKAN was examining relevant information, including whether there had been previous deliveries.
Changing patterns in drug market
Andreou said the substance seized was ketamine, a Class B drug with depressant effects. In addition to its use as a narcotic, he said, it can also be used in the manufacture of other synthetic drugs.
The seizure comes amid changing patterns in Cyprus' drug market, where authorities have reported the emergence of new substances and a rise in synthetic narcotics.
Andreou said YKAN had identified new types of drugs this year, including opioids derived from poppies, while seizures of Captagon tablets had increased sharply. Authorities have confiscated about 1,100 Captagon tablets so far this year, compared with roughly 32 during the whole of last year, he said.
Ketamine surge in Cyprus
Ketamine, meanwhile, has only recently appeared in significant quantities in Cyprus. From 2022 until now, authorities had detected a total of about 220 grammes of the substance, Andreou said, compared with the current seizure of nearly 390kg.
According to information shared by partner agencies in other European countries, ketamine use and trafficking are also increasing elsewhere in Europe, he added.
Andreou said cocaine seizures have already far exceeded last year's total.
He said major drug seizures are aimed at removing large quantities of narcotics from Cypriot society, citing the estimated 790,000 doses represented by the ketamine haul.
The YKAN chief also pointed to a recent operation targeting opioid trafficking, in which police dismantled what he described as a major network within 10 days, seizing 60kg of narcotics and arresting 21 people. The suspects are currently being held at the Central Prisons awaiting trial.
Follow the money
Alongside drug trafficking investigations, authorities are pursuing financial investigations where there are reasonable suspicions that assets were acquired through drug proceeds.
Andreou said YKAN's financial investigations unit has frozen more than €1.5 million in recent years and secured confiscation orders for assets of significant value. Investigations have targeted cash, bank accounts, property, vehicles and cryptocurrencies, in cooperation with the anti-money laundering unit MOKAS.
According to Andreou, the organisers of trafficking networks operating in Cyprus are generally based within the Republic, while associates are located abroad.
As Cyprus does not produce narcotic substances, particularly synthetic drugs, nearly all such substances are imported, he said.
The main entry points are airports and ports, including marinas and fishing shelters, while drugs are also detected in parcels sent through courier companies.
Andreou said YKAN and the Customs Department conduct inspections on a weekly basis and carry out random checks regardless of whether there is specific intelligence indicating drug trafficking.
Source: CNA
