Police investigations are continuing into two incidents that recently attracted significant attention in Limassol: a party attended by minors where several teenagers fell ill and a drift event involving vehicles that allegedly blocked public roads.
Speaking on Politis Radio 107.6 & 97.6, police spokesperson Vyronas Vyronos provided updates on both cases but was unable to answer a number of questions, citing ongoing investigations or a lack of information.
Party organiser questioned, venue owner still not found
Regarding the Halloween party involving minors, Vyronos said the person believed to have organised the event has been identified, questioned and charged in writing.
However, the owner of the premises had not been located at the time of the interview.
Asked whether the owner was deliberately avoiding authorities, Vyronos declined to speculate, stating only that the individual had not yet been found.
He also explained that arrest warrants are not issued automatically and require specific legal grounds. If investigators determine that a warrant is necessary, the appropriate procedures will be followed.
Test results still pending
Key questions also remain over what caused several minors to become unwell during the event.
According to Vyronos, samples have been collected for laboratory analysis and results are still pending.
While alcohol consumption is considered a possible factor, investigators have not yet reached any conclusions.
The police spokesperson was also unable to confirm whether one of the teenagers who was hospitalised had since been discharged.
He further said he could not specify when attendees were informed of a last-minute venue change or whether parents had been aware of the new location beforehand.
When asked whether drinks supplied at the venue had been tested for possible contamination or tampering, he declined to comment because of the active investigation.
Questions over the venue's operation
During the interview, attention also turned to enforcement against venues that admit minors or provide alcohol in violation of regulations.
Vyronos said police regularly conduct inspections and that premises have been closed in the past in cooperation with local authorities.
However, he declined to say whether similar action could be taken against the venue involved in this case before the investigation is completed.
Two arrests in drift investigation
In relation to the drift event, where vehicles allegedly blocked a road and roundabout in Limassol, Vyronos confirmed that two people have been arrested.
Investigators are also seeking additional individuals believed to have been involved, including people suspected of helping block the roadway.
Police are examining offences including dangerous and reckless driving, unlawfully obstructing a public road and causing a public nuisance.
Questions over surrendered vehicle
The investigation is also examining a vehicle that was later handed over to police and whether it is the same vehicle seen in footage of the incident.
Asked whether providing a different vehicle could amount to an attempt to mislead investigators, Vyronos said the matter remains under examination and declined to draw conclusions.
He added that any additional offences or responsibilities will be assessed when the investigation is completed.
Why police did not intervene sooner
Vyronos was also asked why police failed to intervene while the drift event was taking place.
He said officers arrived after those involved had already left and traffic had resumed.
According to the police spokesperson, traffic conditions in Limassol contributed to the response time, and the incident had ended before officers reached the scene.
He said the investigation was subsequently launched on the basis of video footage, which helped lead to the two arrests already made.
"We cannot proceed without evidence"
Responding to broader criticism of policing, Vyronos said law enforcement officers carry out checks and investigations daily but require sufficient evidence before pursuing criminal prosecutions.
"Without evidence, we cannot proceed," he said, stressing that police actions must be based on specific information and testimony.
