Israelis and Palestinians Arrested in Cyprus Drug Smuggling Ring

Two Israeli couples and two Palestinian couples were arrested in Cyprus after the island's drug enforcement unit seized 126 kilograms of ketamine. The four individuals appeared before a judge in Limassol on Sunday, where their detention was extended for eight days. The investigation began following intelligence indicating a network was importing drugs into Cyprus via luxury yachts, with the intention of distributing them to Israeli residents living on the island.

According to a Cyprus Police representative in court, the drugs were disguised as building materials and sanitary ware before being stored at the suspects' homes. The majority of the seizure, 126.63 kilograms of ketamine, was found hidden in paint containers at the home of a 50-year-old Palestinian suspect in Mouttagiaka. Initial findings suggest this shipment originated from a European country.

During a search of the home of a 53-year-old Israeli man and his 51-year-old wife in Ypsonas, near Limassol, police discovered 34 grams of cocaine, 246.5 grams of ketamine, 15 grams of mephedrone, 12 grams of MDMA, and over 4,000 euros in cash. Local police estimate that approximately 70 kilograms of cocaine and an unknown quantity of cannabis were previously smuggled through the port of Limassol last week as part of the network's operations. Authorities are currently investigating potential links between the arrested Israelis and Palestinians and organized crime groups.