Nicosia: The Cyprus Drug Law Enforcement Unit (YKAN) seized 71.5 kg of cocaine in the first half of 2026, compared to 30.2 kg in 2025, recording an increase of over 130%. The authorities are particularly concerned over new and dangerous types of drugs that entered the island.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the Unit carried out a series of operations that led to the discovery of poppy, opiates, synthetic substances, and liquid cocaine in large quantities. During a press conference on Wednesday, figures were presented to the media by Chief of Police Themistos Arnaoutis, Deputy Chief Panikos Stavrou, Commander of the Drug Law Enforcement Unit Christos Andreou, and Police Spokesperson Vyronas Vyronos.
In his speech, the Chief of Police said the Unit carries out a demanding task daily related to public safety, health, quality of life, the future of young people, and the cohesion of society. He emphasized that the battle against drugs is a top operational priority for the Police, noting that drug trafficking significantly finances serious and organized crime internationally.
Arnaoutis stated that the priority is not only to identify traffickers but also to dismantle entire criminal networks, following both the trafficking of drugs and the route of the money. The Police have invested in specialized structures and strengthened operational capabilities, utilizing technology and expanding international collaborations to tackle drug trafficking rings effectively.
The Police Chief mentioned the new phenomena recorded at the European level, noting that Europol is monitoring the phenomena of 'crime as a service' and 'violence as a service', where criminal networks recruit individuals through social media to carry out illegal actions. Such cases have also been recorded in Cyprus, without reaching the proportions observed in northern European countries.
Commander Christos Andreou stated that methamphetamine seizures exceeded 2.3 kilograms in the first half of 2026, while the increase in cannabis resin was massive, with quantities seized amounting to more than 47.5 kilograms compared to just 583 grams last year. Cannabis seized was reduced compared to 2025, reaching 244 kilos compared to 511 kilos the previous year, confirming its status as the most widespread illegal drug in Cyprus.
Andreou noted that until June 22, 2026, the Unit investigated a total of 539 drug cases. Regarding the economic dimension of drug trafficking, the Unit cooperates with MOKAS, the Unit for Combating Money Laundering and Financial Intelligence Unit, to identify illegal income and assets derived from drug trafficking.
Figures indicate that from 2020 to the end of 2025, assets worth over 2.5 million euros have been seized or confiscated, with more than one million euros concerning 2025 alone. Andreou also referred to new substances in the Cyprus market, including synthetic cannabinoid MDMB-4EN-PINACA, Captagon tablets, opium poppy, and Kief, a cannabis product with high THC content. These substances have more serious effects than traditional drugs, and their health consequences are not yet fully known.
Referring to the opium poppy case, YKAN Chief emphasized the need to curb it before it becomes widespread. Recently, over 30 kilos of opium poppy and Kief have been seized, with ten arrests made in Nicosia, Limassol, and Famagusta districts. The detection of liquid cocaine weighing 4 kilos is of great concern, marking the first time such a quantity has been detected.
Deputy Chief of Police Panikos Stavrou highlighted the purity of the substance at 97%, which is alarming. Andreou explained that drugs are primarily imported from abroad through airports, ports, containers, and courier companies. The Unit cooperates with the Customs Department and courier companies to identify drugs.
Andreou remarked that drug control is not solely the responsibility of the Police but of the entire society, urging parents, teachers, and local communities to help prevent and recognize the risks associated with drug use and trafficking.