Israeli Couple Arrested in Cyprus With 126kg of Ketamine Hidden in Paint Cans

A joint operation by Cyprus Police's YKAN drug squad and the Police Intelligence Management and Analysis Service (YDAP) led to the arrest of an Israeli couple and two additional suspects in Limassol, Cyprus, on suspicion of drug smuggling via yachts. During a search of a residence in the Motayaka area, authorities discovered 126 kilograms of ketamine concealed within paint containers.

The arrested Israelis are a 53-year-old man and a 51-year-old woman. They were apprehended alongside a 50-year-old man and a 35-year-old woman, described as Palestinians, who are believed to be connected to the same drug network. The 50-year-old Palestinian suspect reportedly attempted to flee during the operation but was apprehended.

Authorities estimate the street value of the seized ketamine to be approximately 2.5 million euros in Cyprus, with potential earnings exceeding 10 million euros if trafficked to Mykonos, Greece. The four suspects were brought before the Limassol District Court, which ordered their detention extended by eight days, with their defense attorneys not opposing the request.

Further investigation by the police will involve reviewing security camera footage, tracking the suspects' movements and meetings, and identifying any additional accomplices. Investigators are also examining intelligence suggesting that approximately 70 kilograms of cocaine and an unknown quantity of cannabis were allegedly smuggled through the port of Limassol about a week prior to these arrests. The police suspect the involvement of other Israelis and Palestinians in the network, including Israeli residents of Cyprus who may have been clients.