Cyprus' Drug Squad (YKAN) reports a sharp rise in drug seizures, financial investigations, and criminal property freezes, as authorities confront an evolving and increasingly profitable drug trade.
Data from the first nine months of 2025 show that YKAN dealt with 881 cases involving 886 individuals, including 515 Greek Cypriots and 371 foreign nationals. This marks a slight increase from the same period in 2024, when 831 cases were recorded.
The quantities of illegal substances seized in 2025 have surged, especially for cannabis, cocaine, and methamphetamine:
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Cannabis seizures nearly doubled, from 382 kg in 2024 to over 759 kg in 2025.
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Cocaine seizures more than quadrupled, from 11 kg to 47 kg.
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Methamphetamine rose from 382 grams to over 6 kg.
A particularly worrying trend is the emergence of THC-laced edible products such as cannabis-infused gummies, with 2,476 units confiscated this year alone. Authorities warn that these forms may pose even greater health risks than conventional cannabis.
YKAN also intercepted a sharp increase in substances related to doping, including 701 pills, 270 capsules, 58 vials, 33 syringes, and 12 bottles, up significantly from 2024 levels.
Financial investigations
In addition to operational success on the ground, YKAN has intensified its financial investigations aimed at stripping traffickers of illegally obtained wealth. Since 2020, police have frozen €1.5 million in cash and over €800,000 in assets, including vehicles, real estate, and bank accounts.
Further seizures expected in late 2025 could exceed €500,000, as ongoing investigations continue to uncover new illicit gains. Authorities emphasise that each financial probe runs parallel to criminal prosecutions, with findings referred to the Unit for Combating Money Laundering (MOKAS) for court orders to freeze or confiscate property.
Focus on prevention
Alongside enforcement, YKAN places strong emphasis on prevention and education. Outreach programmes are regularly conducted in schools, the National Guard, and vulnerable communities.
In cooperation with the Ministry of Education, each secondary and technical school has a designated YKAN police liaison officer, ensuring direct communication and swift response to drug-related incidents.
YKAN’s social intervention officers, trained in social sciences and ethics, referred 213 individuals to treatment centres so far in 2025, including both drug users and their family members. In 2024, the total reached 257.
Authorities highlight the continued importance of early intervention, life-skills training, and family support in reducing future drug dependence and crime.