Cyprus Busts Major Drug Ring Involving Israelis and Palestinians

Cyprus drug enforcement units have arrested two couples, one Israeli and one Palestinian, on suspicion of involvement in a large-scale drug import and distribution network. The network allegedly used luxury yachts to smuggle narcotics through the ports and marinas of Limassol and Larnaca.

Authorities were led to the suspects following intelligence that indicated a mechanism for importing and distributing drugs via high-end vessels. The investigation culminated in the detention of the two couples, identified as a 53-year-old Israeli man and a 50-year-old Palestinian man, along with their wives.

During searches of the suspects' residences, authorities seized thousands of euros in cash and significant quantities of illicit substances. In the Israeli suspect's home near Limassol, police discovered 34 grams of cocaine, 246.5 grams of ketamine, and over 4,000 euros in cash. Simultaneously, a search of the Palestinian suspect's residence uncovered a massive cache of drugs, including 126 kilograms and 630 grams of ketamine.

All four suspects were brought before a court in Limassol, which granted the police's request for an eight-day detention order as the investigation continues.