A major cocaine seizure has prompted concern among Cypriot authorities after around four kilograms of liquid cocaine were discovered in the luggage of a 65-year-old passenger at Larnaca airport.
The drugs were reportedly concealed inside plastic cosmetic containers, marking what authorities say is the first large-scale detection of liquid cocaine in Cyprus.
Investigations raise concern over possible local processing
The Drug Law Enforcement Unit (YKAN) has expressed concern over how the substance would need to be chemically processed to be converted into a solid form for consumption.
This has raised fears that a specialised laboratory capable of processing liquid cocaine may exist in Cyprus, although this remains under investigation.
Authorities are also examining whether the shipment was intended for the domestic market.
Arrest after airport operation
The suspect, a 65-year-old American national, arrived in Cyprus from Canada via Vienna.
He was stopped for inspection following coordination between YKAN officers and customs authorities at Larnaca airport.
During the search, officers discovered 10 nylon packages containing the suspicious liquid substance hidden inside cosmetic containers.
Subsequent tests confirmed the material was liquid cocaine with a total gross weight of approximately four kilograms.
The suspect was brought before the Larnaca District Court and remanded in custody for eight days while investigations continue. He is being investigated for possession of drugs with intent to supply.
Refusal to cooperate with authorities
Authorities said the suspect is not cooperating with investigators and has refused to disclose information about possible accomplices abroad or intended recipients in Cyprus.
The operation was carried out with the assistance of customs officials and YKAN officers as part of ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking through airports.
Rising cocaine seizures in Cyprus
Official figures show that YKAN seized approximately 76 kilograms of cocaine in the first half of 2026 alone.
For comparison, total seizures in 2025 amounted to just over 50 kilograms, highlighting an upward trend in cocaine trafficking activity on the island.
The emergence of liquid cocaine is seen by authorities as a new and more sophisticated method used by traffickers to evade detection and increase smuggling success rates.
Also read: YKAN investigates traffickers selling poppy pods through TikTok
For more videos and updates, check out our YouTube channel
