Israeli Couple Arrested in Cyprus With 126 Kilos of Ketamine

An Israeli couple, a 53-year-old man and a 51-year-old woman, were arrested in Cyprus on Saturday on suspicion of involvement in a large drug smuggling ring operating via yachts. Also detained were a couple described as Palestinians, a 50-year-old man and a 35-year-old woman, believed to be connected to the same network. The 50-year-old reportedly attempted to flee but was apprehended.

The arrests were part of an operation by YKAN, the Cyprus Police's drug enforcement unit, in cooperation with YDAP, the Police Intelligence Management and Analysis Service. The operation was based on intelligence and surveillance of the suspects. During a search of a house in Mouttagiaka, a suburb of Limassol, authorities discovered 126 kilograms of ketamine concealed within a paint container. The street value of this quantity of ketamine is estimated at over 2.5 million euros, potentially reaching over 10 million euros in locations like Mykonos.

Authorities also seized 34 grams of cocaine, 246.5 grams of ketamine, 15 grams of methylphenidate, and 12 grams of MDMA. Additionally, 4,150 euros in cash, Israeli shekels, untaxed cigarettes, scales, and mobile phones were confiscated. The four suspects appeared before the Limassol District Court on Sunday, where their detention was extended by eight days, with their defense attorneys not opposing the request.

Investigators plan to examine security cameras, the suspects' movements, and meetings to identify further individuals involved. Evidence suggests the network used luxury yachts to transport large drug quantities to Cyprus through the marinas and ports of Larnaca and Limassol. The drugs were allegedly disguised as building materials and sanitary ware, moved to houses used as warehouses, and then distributed. Police suspect both Israelis and Palestinians were involved, with Israeli residents in Cyprus potentially being clients. Intelligence indicates that approximately 70 kilograms of cocaine and an unknown amount of cannabis may have been smuggled through the port of Limassol about a week before the arrests.