Authorities have seized over half a kilo of cocaine at Larnaca Airport, arresting a 23-year-old passenger for the smuggling. She allegedly hid the drugs in her body and underwear, police said on Wednesday.
The discovery was made through a joint operation between the Police and the Customs Department to intercept narcotics smuggled into Cyprus via airports.
After intelligence indicated that a woman arriving from abroad was smuggling cocaine, officers stopped the 23-year-old for inspection in the arrivals area. A search revealed nine egg-shaped nylon capsules containing cocaine hidden in her bra, weighing 88 grams, and another package weighing 452 grams concealed in her underwear.
The suspect was arrested on the spot and later taken to Larnaca General Hospital, where an X-ray showed additional capsules inside her stomach. She was given medication to allow the substances to pass naturally and remains under medical supervision.
According to a Customs Department announcement, the passenger — described as a foreign national identifying as transgender — admitted to swallowing more packages of cocaine after the body search. The total quantity is expected to rise as examinations continue.
The Anti-Narcotics Unit (YKAN) is leading the investigation.
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