Twenty-six people have been arrested in a nationwide police operation targeting organised crime and drug trafficking, carried out across Cyprus on Thursday, 5 November.
The large-scale operation, codenamed “PLEGMA”, was coordinated and conducted by the newly established Organised Crime Directorate (DAOE) of the Cyprus Police, following a months-long investigation that began in February 2026.
According to a police statement, the operation was part of efforts to dismantle criminal networks involved in drug trafficking and target all levels of their activities.
Investigation began with major drug seizure
The investigation began on 19 February 2026, following a coordinated operation by the Drug Law Enforcement Unit (YKAN) in Nicosia district.
Officers stopped a vehicle carrying two people for inspection. They found and seized 11,480 firecrackers, while quantities of cannabis and cocaine were discovered in the possession of one of the occupants.
Subsequent searches of a residence and premises linked to the vehicle’s driver led to the discovery and seizure of 167kg of cannabis, 62kg of cocaine, 4.5kg of cannabis resin, firearms, explosive devices, cash and electronic cigarettes believed to contain narcotic substances.
Five people are already being held in custody as defendants in connection with that case.
The investigation continued over the following months, focusing on identifying those involved, establishing their connections and uncovering the wider criminal infrastructure.
26 arrests and 27 searches across Cyprus
The PLEGMA operation involved police action in Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca and Famagusta districts, as well as at the Central Prisons.
During the operation, police executed arrest warrants and detained 26 people suspected of involvement in a range of offences, including:
- Illegal supply and possession of Class A and B controlled drugs.
- Possession of controlled drugs with intent to supply.
- Participation in a criminal organisation.
- Conspiracy to commit a felony.
- Participation in and acceptance of the commission of crimes.
- Money laundering.
- Illegal possession of explosives.
- Circulation of pharmaceutical products without the required authorisation.
- Other related offences.
Police also carried out 27 searches under court warrants at homes, premises and vehicles linked to people under investigation, as well as in cells at the Central Prisons.
The searches resulted in the seizure of:
- €25,025 in cash.
- 37 mobile phones.
- One pistol and one hunting firearm.
- A small quantity of cannabis.
- Two grinders containing small amounts of cannabis.
- Two half-smoked cannabis cigarettes.
- Approximately 10g of cocaine.
- 13 cartridges of various calibres.
- 534 hunting cartridges.
- Eight precision scales.
- 354 firecrackers.
- 456 flares.
- 22 fireworks.
- 192 sparklers.
- Two smoke grenades.
Assets worth €400,000 frozen
Police also focused on tracing and freezing assets believed to be connected to the criminal activity.
In cooperation with the Unit for Combating Money Laundering (MOKAS), authorities secured court orders freezing assets, including a residence, plots of land and vehicles.
The assets comprise 10 cars and two motorcycles, with an estimated total value of approximately €400,000.
A further €100,000 in funds has also been frozen so far.
According to police, targeting the financial resources and assets of criminal networks is a key part of the operation, alongside arrests and drug seizures.
Police target entire criminal networks
The Cyprus Police said the operation reflects a strengthened approach to tackling organised crime, with the Organised Crime Directorate playing a coordinating role alongside specialised units.
The stated objective is not limited to identifying and arresting individual drug dealers, but to dismantling entire criminal organisations, breaking up their distribution networks, cutting their connections and depriving them of the financial resources that sustain their activities.
Police said the fight against organised crime would continue through targeted operations and the use of all lawful investigative and operational means, with the aim of protecting society, particularly younger generations, from drugs and organised criminal activity.
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