Cyprus has seen a significant increase in drug seizures in 2025, marking the highest levels to date, though this does not necessarily indicate a rise in trafficking, Head of the Anti-Narcotics Service (YKAN), Christos Andreou, told the Cyprus News Agency (CNA) on Friday.
He explained that the intensification of targeted operations at the Republic’s entry points has yielded substantial results and boosted the Service’s effectiveness.
According to Andreou, the quantities of narcotics seized have doubled compared with last year, particularly cannabis and cocaine, despite the number of arrests remaining stable.
From January 1 to August 31, 2025, authorities seized 613 kilos of cannabis—279 kilos more than in 2024—and 39.5 kilos of cocaine, an increase of 33.5 kilos year-on-year. They also confiscated 1.5 kilos of cannabis resin (compared with one kilo in 2024) and 50 cannabis plants (14 in 2024).
During the same period, YKAN recorded 781 cases involving 768 individuals, nearly identical to the 752 cases and 768 individuals in 2024, reinforcing the belief, as Andreou noted, that operations are now “more targeted and effective.”
“We are not necessarily seeing an increase in drugs. We are seeing an increase in the effectiveness of checks and a focus on entry points,” he stressed.
By September 19, total seized quantities had risen to 640 kilos of cannabis, 40 kilos of cocaine, 2 kilos of cannabis resin and 50 cannabis plants. In addition, YKAN confiscated 2,476 cannabinoid products containing THC—including gummies, chocolates, oils, beers, biscuits, capsules and electronic cigarettes—across Cyprus.
New drugs and concealment methods
Andreou said traffickers are constantly evolving their smuggling methods, citing the recent discovery of drugs hidden in cereal boxes. He also referred to Captagon, a dangerous synthetic pill widely found in Syria and Lebanon and even used by extremists to suppress inhibitions when committing crimes.
Although Captagon has not yet been detected in Cyprus, Andreou warned that reports indicate increased circulation in the region and said YKAN remains on alert.
Asset seizures linked to organised crime
Asked whether organised crime is behind the large quantities seized, Andreou noted that YKAN is also focusing on the financial side of trafficking, carrying out dozens of financial investigations and seizing assets from those involved.
Between 2020 and today, YKAN carried out 89 financial investigations, froze a total of €1,426,554, and confiscated €833,783. The largest amount, €357,383, was seized in 2025.
“Behind the large quantities of drugs lies organised crime with enormous financial gains,” Andreou said.
Prevention and rehabilitation
Andreou also highlighted YKAN’s preventive actions through the Early Intervention Programme, noting that in 2025, 205 young people aged 14–24 were referred to treatment centres. Of these, 143 were drug-dependent and 62 were from their supportive environment (parents or relatives).
The aim, he said, is to give young people a second chance before their involvement with drugs becomes irreversible.
Το άρθρο Record drug seizures in 2025, Cyprus Anti-Narcotics Chief tells εμφανίστηκε πρώτα στο Cyprus Times.
Πηγή: Cyprus Times
