A parcel that arrived in Cyprus through a courier company, declared as containing Lego-type toys, was found to contain four vacuum-sealed packages of cannabis with a total gross weight of 2.66 kilograms.
The drugs were seized by the Customs Department and immediately handed over to the Drug Law Enforcement Unit (YKAN) for further investigation as part of coordinated efforts by the two services to prevent the importation of narcotics into the Republic of Cyprus.
A 22-year-old man was arrested in connection with the case and brought before Nicosia District Court, which issued an eight-day remand order against him.
According to evidence presented in court, officers from the drug squad launched a controlled-delivery operation on 26 October after identifying the suspicious parcel. The cannabis was removed and replaced with dummy packages, and the parcel was placed under surveillance.
The package bore the details of a company in the United States as the sender and an address in Engomi as the recipient.
An undercover police officer contacted the purported recipient, who requested that the parcel be left in the apartment building's parking area, saying he was at work. Further telephone calls and text messages followed regarding the manner and timing of the delivery.
Suspicious vehicle
During the operation, surveillance officers observed a vehicle behaving suspiciously in the area.
On 29 October, the parcel was placed at a pre-arranged location in the parking area under constant police surveillance. A short time later, a taxi entered the area and its driver approached the package and attempted to collect it.
The driver was arrested at the scene but was later released after questioning and a search of his home failed to produce any evidence linking him to the case.
Police subsequently stopped the vehicle that had been under surveillance and arrested the 22-year-old suspect.
During searches, officers found five mobile phones and €4,330 in cash. Quantities of cannabis were also discovered in the vehicle, including around 1,836 grams in various packages and an additional quantity of about two kilograms in four vacuum-sealed packages.
The 22-year-old is being investigated on suspicion of illegal importation and possession of controlled drugs, possession with intent to supply, conspiracy to commit a felony and offences related to proceeds from illegal activities.
The investigation remains at an early stage.
Police are expected to take statements from the suspect's relatives and associates, examine telephone data and financial transactions, and obtain information from a taxi platform and courier companies. The seized evidence will be sent for scientific examination, while investigators are also looking into the possible involvement of accomplices and any previous shipments.
