Nicosia: The Drug Law Enforcement Unit (DLEU) has reported a total of 718 drug-related cases since the beginning of 2026, involving 773 individuals. Increased quantities have been noted in categories such as cocaine and captagon compared to the entire previous year. A new development this year is the detection of poppy stalks, with 60 kilograms seized.
According to Cyprus News Agency, DLEU Director Christos Andreou shared that these figures were recorded before the year's end, indicating that five months of activity remain for 2026. Andreou stated, "This year, up to today, we have had 718 cases in total and 773 persons involved," highlighting that 1,114 cases and 1,178 arrests were recorded throughout 2025.
The DLEU Director detailed the quantities seized to date: approximately 273 kilograms of cannabis, 48 kilograms of cannabis resin, 34 cannabis plants, and 83 kilograms of cocaine. Cocaine seizures have notably increased from last year's 51 kilograms to 83 kilograms so far this year. Cannabis seizures have decreased from 810 kilograms last year to approximately 273 kilograms this year, while cannabis resin saw a significant rise from 2 kilograms to 48 kilograms. A total of 34 cannabis plants have been detected this year compared to 85 last year.
In other drug categories, Andreou reported the seizure of approximately 2.5 kilograms of methamphetamine this year, down from 6.5 kilograms in 2025. MDMA seizures have slightly increased, with 333 tablets seized compared to 313 last year. Captagon seizures have surged, with 1,194 tablets confiscated this year, a significant increase from 71.5 tablets in 2025.
Andreou also mentioned the detection of paper sheets impregnated with narcotic substances, with 1.5 kilograms and 993 sheets identified for seizure this year. Furthermore, doping substances have been seized in quantities of 110 vials and 120 tablets, compared to last year's 501 tablets and 73 vials.
The Director highlighted the new phenomenon of poppy stalk detection, which has resulted in 17 cases and 22 arrests this year, with the first case identified on June 19, 2026. These poppy stalk packages originated from Austria and were intercepted through courier services.
Andreou identified main drug origin countries as Spain, Greece, the United States, Canada, and Central European nations like the Netherlands, Austria, and Belgium. Drugs typically enter Cyprus via courier companies, containers, or travellers.
He expressed concern about captagon trafficking in the occupied areas, noting that the DLEU has conducted numerous successful operations to detect large quantities. The Service remains vigilant and continues operations along the Green Line.
Andreou emphasized the ongoing efforts of the DLEU to identify major traffickers and seize large drug quantities. "The Service never becomes complacent," he stated, highlighting their continuous 24-hour operations. Despite the challenges, the aim remains to bring major traffickers to justice.