An extraordinary case was heard before the Permanent Criminal Court of Larnaca, which found three defendants guilty of causing harm to a person, illegal possession of a Class A controlled substance, and conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.
According to Reporter, one of the central figures in the case was a mother-in-law who orchestrated a scheme to frame her son-in-law with drugs because she disapproved of his relationship with her daughter.
Four individuals in total faced charges, including conspiracy to cause harm, illegal possession of a Class A controlled substance, and conspiracy to pervert the course of justice. One of the accused was also charged with providing false information to a police officer but was acquitted during an intermediate ruling.
The court findings revealed that two of the accused conspired to harm the 19-year-old boyfriend of the third defendant’s daughter by planting drugs under his vehicle. One of them then tipped off a police officer with the false information that the young man was trafficking drugs. As a result, the 19-year-old’s vehicle was stopped by members of the drug squad, where they discovered the drugs and arrested him based on the misinformation provided.
The mastermind behind the scheme was identified as the mother-in-law, who strongly opposed her daughter’s relationship with the 19-year-old and orchestrated the entire setup.
The incident unfolded when the 19-year-old, driving from Larnaca to Nicosia, was stopped by the police. The drugs were found hidden in the wheel arch of his vehicle, leading to his arrest and eight days in detention. During questioning, he denied any knowledge of the drugs and revealed a recent meeting in Larnaca with one of the defendants. This information helped unravel the truth, proving the young man had no connection to the drugs, which had been planted by others targeting him because of his relationship.
The court heard that the 19-year-old was directed to park in a specific spot during his meeting, while a friend accompanying him was instructed to leave the vehicle briefly. After the meeting, one of the defendants called the police, claiming the young man possessed drugs and was en route to Nicosia. When the drugs were initially not found, the defendant sent the officer a photo pinpointing their exact location in the vehicle.
The investigation revealed that the mother-in-law had approached the sister of one of the defendants, a friend of hers, to seek help in breaking up the couple. A meeting was held at her home with two other defendants, where she requested their assistance in framing the 19-year-old.
Before the incident, one defendant informed the police that the young man was organising student parties at a Nicosia club, allegedly selling cocaine transported in his vehicle. He even provided the police with the car’s registration details.
The mother-in-law admitted to three of the charges against her, while proceedings on three additional charges were dropped.
The defendants, having been found guilty, are awaiting sentencing, which will follow a mitigation hearing.
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