Cyprus Drug Bust Expands: Hundreds of Kilograms of Ketamine Seized
Cypriot police announced on Monday the seizure of an additional 263.5 kilograms of ketamine from a warehouse in Limassol, significantly expanding a drug trafficking investigation. This latest discovery brings the total amount of ketamine confiscated in the case to over 390 kilograms, triple the initial amount seized. The retail value of this drug shipment could exceed 10 million euros.
The warehouse was located based on information gathered during the investigation into a previous seizure. On Saturday, authorities found over 126 kilograms of ketamine and other drugs in two homes in Limassol, along with cash, including Israeli shekels, and other evidence. Four individuals, an Israeli couple aged 53 and 51, and a Palestinian couple aged 50 and 31, were arrested in connection with the initial discovery. Their detention was extended by eight days by a Limassol court on Sunday.
The scale of the current seizure marks a dramatic escalation, as previous ketamine busts in Cyprus were significantly smaller. Cypriot authorities now suspect the island may be serving as a transit point for drugs rather than just a local market. The investigation is focusing on a criminal network suspected of involving Israelis.
Investigators are examining evidence suggesting the network transported drugs from Israel to Cyprus using luxury yachts and vessels. The drugs were allegedly disguised as building materials and sanitary ware, then stored in residences before distribution. The initial search in the Israeli couple's home also yielded 34 grams of cocaine, 246.5 grams of ketamine, 15 grams of methylphenidrate, and 12 grams of MDMA, along with foreign currency and Israeli shekels.
The additional ketamine was found in containers near the Limassol port, with reports indicating the substance originated from Germany. Authorities are investigating the import route and are working to identify any additional suspects. The YKAN anti-drug unit in Limassol is continuing the investigation, seeking to determine if the large quantities of drugs were intended for the Cypriot market or for transit to other countries.
