Paphos Police have thwarted planned criminal acts with the arrest of a 41-year-old man, who is now in eight-day detention, and a 33-year-old currently serving a prison sentence. A third individual, aged 29, is also wanted in connection with the case, according to Paphos Assistant Police Director of Operations, Michalis Nikolaou.
The suspects face charges of conspiracy to commit a felony, illegal possession, and transportation of firearms and explosives.
According to Mr. Nikolaou, on Saturday afternoon, Paphos Police discreetly surveilled a vehicle without registration plates, hidden in a remote, densely vegetated area of semi-mountainous Paphos.
Based on intelligence, it was anticipated that the vehicle would be retrieved by a specific individual and used to commit criminal acts involving firearms and incendiary materials, Mr. Nikolaou explained to the Cyprus News Agency (CNA).
At around 11 p.m. on Saturday, two men approached the area. One moved towards the vehicle, intending to collect it, and was immediately intercepted by police officers monitoring the scene. The second man, who had kept his distance, managed to escape by taking advantage of the darkness and difficult terrain.
The apprehended suspect, identified as a 41-year-old from Paphos, was found in possession of a prohibited knife and was arrested on the spot for carrying an illegal weapon.
The suspect who escaped was identified by police as a 29-year-old from Limassol, added Mr. Nikolaou.
Mr. Nikolaou continued, noting that during searches in the area, particularly along the 29-year-old’s escape route, evidence was located and seized with the assistance of the Paphos Police Dog Unit. Items found included a loaded pistol, a canister of flammable material, a hood, and a pair of gloves.
Inside the vehicle intended for collection, there was also a firearm cartridge and a shell casing.
Evidence has been secured against the two suspects as well as against a 33-year-old from Paphos, currently serving a prison sentence at the central prison, for involvement in the ongoing case. Judicial warrants have also been obtained against all three for conspiracy to commit a felony, illegal possession, and transportation of firearms and explosives, said Mr. Nikolaou.
The 29-year-old remains at large. The detained 41-year-old, re-arrested under the warrant, appeared at Paphos District Court on 2 November, where an eight-day detention order was issued against him.
The 33-year-old convict was also detained at the central prison on 2 November for questioning.
Based on the unfolding events and available intelligence, police believe they have prevented planned criminal acts, and the possibility of further individuals’ involvement cannot be ruled out, concluded Mr. Nikolaou.
