Allegations of drug shipments from Israel to the Republic of Cyprus via luxury yachts

The anti-narcotics unit in the Republic of Cyprus conducted an operation as part of an investigation into allegations that drugs were being brought in and distributed from Israel via luxury yachts.

According to reports in the Greek Cypriot press, the investigation was launched following intelligence that drugs were being transported from Israel to the RoC and that marinas and ports in Larnaca and Limassol were being used for the shipments.

During the operation, 126 kilograms and 630 grams of ketamine were seized, and 4 suspects, including an Arab couple and 2 Israelis, were detained. On September 13, the 4 suspects were brought before the Limassol District Court, which ordered them to be held in custody for 8 days.

Allegations that drugs were brought in from Israel via luxury yachts

According to information presented to the court, police acted on intelligence that a criminal organization, allegedly composed of Israelis and individuals of Arab descent, was bringing drugs from Israel to Southern Cyprus for distribution. It was alleged that the drugs were brought to marinas and ports in Larnaca and Limassol via luxury yachts, and then hidden among construction and plumbing materials to be stored in homes. The police also informed the court that they are investigating reports that the drugs were supplied to Israelis permanently residing in Southern Cyprus. It was stated that the investigation is also looking into allegations that approximately 70 kilograms of cocaine and an undetermined amount of cannabis were smuggled into Southern Cyprus through the Port of Limassol about a week ago.

Drugs and cash seized at the home of an Israeli suspect

On September 10, police obtained a search warrant from the court to search homes, workplaces, and vehicles as part of the investigation. During a search of the 53-year-old Israeli suspect's home in Ypsonas, Limassol, 34 grams of cocaine, 246.5 grams of ketamine, 15 grams of mephedrone, 12 grams of MDMA, 4,150 euros in cash, 42 packs of duty-free cigarettes, mobile phones, and various pieces of evidence were seized. It was noted that in addition to the suspect, his 51-year-old wife and a 50-year-old Arab man were also present in the house during the search. A search was also conducted at the Arab suspect's home in Mouttagiaka. In the house where the suspect and his 35-year-old wife were located, police seized 126 kilograms and 630 grams of ketamine hidden inside paint buckets. A precision scale, mobile phones, and various materials were also seized at the house.

It was reported that the suspects' lawyers did not object to the police's request for an 8-day detention, and the Limassol District Court ordered all 4 suspects to be held in custody for 8 days. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.

News Source: İHA