Two Israelis and Two Palestinians Arrested in Cyprus in Major Drug Bust
Two Israelis and two Palestinians were arrested in Cyprus over suspected involvement in a major yacht drug smuggling ring after police seized 126 kg of ketamine.
A 53-year-old Israeli man and a 51-year-old Israeli woman were arrested in Cyprus on Saturday on suspicion of involvement in a major drug smuggling ring operating via yachts. Alongside them, a 50-year-old man and a 35-year-old woman described as Palestinians were also detained, with the 50-year-old reportedly attempting to flee before being captured.
Police Operation and Seizures
The arrests were carried out as part of an operation by YKAN, the drug law enforcement unit of the Cyprus Police, in cooperation with YDAP, the intelligence management and analysis service. The operation relied on precise intelligence and surveillance of the suspects.
During a search of a residence in Mouttagiaka, a suburb of Limassol, authorities discovered an exceptional quantity of 126 kilograms of ketamine hidden inside a paint container. According to the European Union Drugs Agency, the street value of such a quantity is estimated at €2.5 million or more, and potentially exceeding €10 million in tourist hotspots.
"During further searches, authorities seized additional drugs including cocaine, MDMA, and mephedrone, alongside thousands of euros in cash, untaxed cigarettes, and communication devices," police stated.
Court Proceedings and Smuggling Method
The four suspects were brought before the Limassol District Court, which ordered them to be held in custody for eight days while investigators examine surveillance footage, travel movements, and potential accomplices.
Investigators revealed the alleged modus operandi of the network, stating that luxury yachts were used to transport massive quantities of narcotics into Cyprus through the marinas and ports of Larnaca and Limassol. The drugs were reportedly camouflaged as building materials and sanitary fixtures before being transferred to safehouses for distribution.
