Police investigators are hunting the masterminds behind a criminal drug ring following the discovery of a record-breaking 233.5kg haul in Strovolos outbuildings.
A 34-year-old man and a 26-year-old man are currently in custody for eight days as police shift their focus toward the organisation’s leaders. Evidence suggests the two suspects played supporting roles in the operation rather than acting as the ringleaders.
During a remand hearing before District Judge Adriana Joan Solomonidou, an investigator stated that significant work remains to identify the collaborators. This includes tracing an unknown man and a blonde woman, aged approximately 50, who were allegedly involved in the transfer of illicit materials.
Police believe the two arrested men are “cogs” in a wider network rather than the “brains” of the operation, sources told Phileleftheros. Investigators are now preparing to take dozens of statements from family members, friends, and neighbours. They will also carry out forensic examinations on mobile phones, bank accounts, and the seized evidence.
The suspects face several charges, including:
- Possession of Class A and B drugs with intent to supply
- Possession of explosives without a permit
- Possession of a Category B firearm
- Money laundering
- Conspiracy to commit a felony
The Two-Day Stakeout Members of the Drug Law Enforcement Unit (YKAN) acted on a tip-off from a partner agency and monitored the suspects for two days before making their move on Thursday morning.
The operation unfolded when the 34-year-old drove to the 26-year-old’s flat to collect five cardboard boxes containing 11,480 firecrackers. Police observed the younger suspect and an unidentified man loading the boxes into the car, while a blonde woman held the door open.
Officers moved in once the suspects arrived at the 34-year-old’s home. When informed he was under arrest, the 34-year-old reportedly said, “The firecrackers are mine.” He later led officers to two storerooms at his father’s house in Strovolos, where the bulk of the drugs were hidden.
Search teams discovered 167kg of cannabis, 62kg of cocaine, 4.5kg of cannabis resin, and 381 THC-infused vape devices. They also seized two pistols (one a replica), a revolver, two improvised explosive devices, ammunition, and over €12,000 in cash.
YKAN Commander Christos Andreou noted the scale of the success, stating that approximately 230,000 doses of drugs have been “withdrawn from society.”