Tri-Service

Arrests In Cyprus For Drugs And Explosives Possession

Four Cypriot men have been arrested for possessing drugs and explosives after Sovereign Base Area (SBA) Police officers and the Cyprus Police swooped on a private residence in Ypsonas village yesterday evening.

During the raid, which involved a total of 20 police officers from both forces, a large amount of highly explosive TNT was discovered along with approximately six kilograms of cocaine and a large quantity of another substance believed to be cannabis.

After discovering the explosives, the search was immediately halted while the area could be evacuated and experts could attend to the scene to make it safe.

SBA Police officials have confirmed that as soon as the area is clear, officers will continue with the search to see if anymore drugs can be found.

Since the arrests yesterday, €37,000 in cash has been seized from houses within the Republic of Cyprus that belong to the men in custody.

The four men are currently in court and the SBA Police have asked for them to remanded for eight days while they continue working with Cyprus Police on the investigation.

SBA Police Chief Superintendent and Akrotiri Divisional Commander, Nigel Avron said:

"The recovery of significant quantities of controlled drugs and the arrest of four people in Ypsonas yesterday evening suspected of involvement in the supply of controlled drugs is as a result of working closely with our colleagues in the Cyprus Police.

"This highlights our determination to work in partnership to tackle drug supply which would have no doubt reached the streets of towns and cities throughout the island, which as we know, has the potential to blight so many people’s lives"

This seizure of drugs and explosives marks one of the largest ever seen within the SBAs.

The investigation continues.

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Picture: Flickr / Ray Forster