Since the discovery of the drugs in two storage rooms at a residence in Nicosia, police have been attempting to identify what investigators describe as the network's "big fish". Despite the five arrests already made and the filing of the criminal case, investigations continued.
The latest developments stemmed from the examination of telecommunications data linked to the first defendant, whose mother's residence had allegedly been used to store the drugs.
According to investigators, analysis of telecommunications data revealed recorded communications that ultimately led DAOE to Thursday's mass arrests.
According to police, the continuing investigation led to the planning and execution of Operation PLEGMA, involving DAOE officers with support from the Mobile Immediate Action Unit (MMAD).
The coordinated police action extended across the districts of Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca and Famagusta, as well as the Central Prisons, highlighting the broad operational scope and multi-layered nature of the investigation.
During the operation, court-issued arrest warrants were executed and 26 individuals were arrested in connection with offences under investigation, including:
- Illegal supply and possession of Class A and Class B controlled drugs.
- Illegal possession of controlled drugs with intent to supply.
- Participation in a criminal organisation.
- Conspiracy to commit a felony.
- Participation in and acceptance of the commission of criminal offences.
- Money laundering.
- Illegal possession of explosive materials.
- Distribution of pharmaceutical products without the required licence.
At the same time, police carried out 27 court-authorised searches at residences, premises and vehicles linked to individuals under investigation, as well as prison cells within the Central Prisons.
The searches resulted in the seizure of:
- €25,025 in cash.
- 37 mobile phones.
- One pistol.
- One hunting shotgun.
- A small quantity of cannabis.
- Two grinders containing small quantities of cannabis.
- Two partially smoked cannabis cigarettes.
- Approximately 10 grams of cocaine.
- 13 rounds of ammunition of various calibres.
- 534 shotgun cartridges.
- Eight precision scales.
- 354 firecrackers.
- 456 flares.
- 22 fireworks.
- 192 pyrotechnic devices.
- Two smoke canisters.
Phones "spoke", investigators say
During detention proceedings involving four suspects whom police say are linked to the case, investigators told the court that examination of the evidence showed the first defendant was receiving instructions from individuals allegedly owning the drugs stored by him regarding the supply of narcotics to third parties.
Police stated that the first defendant allegedly received instructions concerning the handling of proceeds from drug sales, including directions that money collected from drug transactions be passed to the owners of the drugs or to third parties designated by them.
Investigators further alleged that he received instructions from others to purchase narcotics on their behalf and make related payments.
According to police, the first defendant either carried out those instructions himself or directed his transporters, identified as the other four defendants in the original case, to do so.
According to the investigating officer's sworn statement, the first suspect informed the first defendant about buyers interested in large quantities of drugs and arranged communication methods with those customers.
Investigators also said that analysis of the seized data indicated the first suspect maintained records relating to drug transactions.
With regard to the second suspect, police said telecommunications data revealed conversations with the first defendant concerning the transportation of large quantities of drugs and suggested cooperation between the second suspect, the first suspect and the first defendant.
Data analysis also allegedly produced evidence linking two additional suspects to the investigation.
Five-day detention orders were issued against all four suspects.
According to the investigating officer, police inquiries are at an advanced stage. Considerable investigative work nevertheless remains outstanding.
Authorities are expected to take eight statements from family members, friends and work associates of the suspects in an effort to establish the extent of their alleged involvement in the offences under investigation.
Formal interviews with the suspects are also expected to be conducted, while any claims they make will be examined.
Police seized mobile phones from suspects two and three, which are expected to undergo forensic examination.
Additional court orders are also anticipated regarding access to telecommunications records and the content of private communications.
€500,000 in assets frozen
Police said particular emphasis was placed on the financial investigation aspect of Operation PLEGMA, with the objective of identifying and depriving suspects of assets and resources allegedly linked to criminal activity.
Working with the Unit for Combating Money Laundering (MOKAS), authorities obtained court orders freezing assets including:
- A residence.
- Plots of land.
- Ten vehicles.
- Two motorcycles.
The assets have an estimated combined value of approximately €400,000.
A further €100,000 in cash has also been frozen.
According to police, the action forms a central component of the broader strategy against organised crime.
"The fight against organised crime is not limited to the arrest of those involved and the seizure of illegal substances," police said. "The objective is the simultaneous dismantling of all levels of criminal organisations, including their members, trafficking networks, support mechanisms, financial activities and the illegal assets they acquire."
