Cyprus FBI-Led Operation Nets 26 Arrests in Major Drug Crackdown

A large-scale nationwide police operation codenamed "PLEGMA" was carried out on Thursday, 5 November, targeting criminal networks allegedly involved in drug trafficking and the laundering of illegal proceeds.

During the operation, 26 people were arrested and 27 searches were conducted at homes, premises, vehicles and prison cells in the Central Prisons.

The operation was coordinated by the newly established Directorate for Combating Organised Crime (DAOE) and followed a months-long investigation that began in February 2026 after a major operation by the Drug Law Enforcement Unit (YKAN) in the Nicosia district.

Investigation began with drugs and fireworks seizure

The case originated on 19 February, when YKAN officers stopped a vehicle carrying two individuals.

During the search, police seized:

• 11,480 firecrackers
• Quantities of cannabis
• Quantities of cocaine

Subsequent searches of a residence and premises linked to the driver uncovered:

• 167kg of cannabis
• 62kg of cocaine
• 4.5kg of cannabis resin
• Firearms
• Explosive devices
• Cash
• Electronic cigarettes believed to contain narcotic substances

Five individuals are already being held in custody in relation to that earlier case.

Police said evidence gathered over subsequent months revealed wider criminal connections and additional suspected illegal activity, leading to Thursday's coordinated operation.

 

 

Arrests across four districts and prisons

Operations were carried out in the districts of Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca and Famagusta, as well as in the Central Prisons.

The 26 suspects are being investigated for offences including:

• Supply and possession of Class A and Class B controlled drugs.
• Possession of drugs with intent to supply.
• Participation in a criminal organisation.
• Conspiracy to commit a felony.
• Facilitating or accepting the commission of crimes.
• Money laundering.

Investigators are also examining offences relating to:

• Illegal possession of explosives.
• Distribution of pharmaceutical products without the required licence.

Cash, weapons and drugs seized

During the 27 court-authorised searches, police recovered:

• €25,025 in cash
• 37 mobile phones
• One pistol
• One hunting shotgun

Additional items seized included:

• A small quantity of cannabis.
• Two cannabis grinders.
• Two partially smoked cannabis cigarettes.
• Approximately 10 grams of cocaine.

Police also found:

• 13 rounds of ammunition of various calibres.
• 534 shotgun cartridges.
• Eight precision scales.
• 354 firecrackers.
• 456 flares.
• 22 fireworks.
• 192 pyrotechnic devices.
• Two smoke bombs.

Assets worth €500,000 frozen

A significant part of the operation focused on disrupting the financial infrastructure of the alleged criminal networks.

Working with the Unit for Combating Money Laundering (MOKAS), police obtained court orders freezing:

• A residential property.
• Plots of land.
• 10 vehicles.
• Two motorcycles.

The value of the frozen assets is estimated at approximately €400,000.

Authorities have also frozen €100,000 in cash, bringing the total value of targeted assets to around €500,000.

According to police, financial investigations are a core element of efforts to dismantle organised crime groups, with the aim of targeting not only those involved in drug trafficking but also the financial mechanisms that support their activities and generate illegal profits.

Organised crime strategy

Operation PLEGMA forms part of the police strategy to intensify the fight against organised crime, with DAOE leading investigations and operational actions.

Police said efforts will continue with the objective of fully dismantling the criminal organisations involved and protecting society, particularly younger generations, from drug trafficking and organised criminal activity.