Cyprus recorded a significant increase in drug seizures in 2025, though this does not necessarily indicate higher trafficking, according to Christos Andreou, head of the Drug Law Enforcement Unit (YKAN). He explained that intensified targeted operations at the Republic’s entry points have delivered tangible results and boosted the unit’s effectiveness.
Andreou noted that the quantities seized this year have doubled compared to 2024, particularly in cannabis and cocaine, despite the number of arrests remaining stable.
Doubling of quantities
From 1 January to 31 August 2025, police seized 613kg of cannabis (279kg more than in 2024) and 39.5kg of cocaine (33.5kg more than last year). In addition, 1.5kg of cannabis resin was confiscated (compared to 1kg in 2024) along with 50 cannabis plants (up from 14).
During the same period, there were 781 cases with 768 individuals involved, almost identical to 2024 figures, suggesting operations have become “more targeted and effective.”
Seizures after August
By 19 September 2025, the total stood at 640kg of cannabis, 40kg of cocaine, 2kg of cannabis resin, and 50 plants. Police also confiscated 2,476 THC products including gummies, chocolates, oils, beers, biscuits, capsules, and vapes.
Andreou said the seizures were nationwide and involved checks on a wide range of businesses.
New drugs and smuggling methods
Traffickers are constantly evolving their tactics, Andreou said, pointing to drugs recently found hidden in cereal boxes. He also referred to Captagon, a dangerous synthetic pill widely used in Syria and Lebanon, sometimes even by extremists to suppress inhibitions before crimes.
While Captagon has not yet been detected in Cyprus, there are reports of its growing presence in the region, and YKAN is on alert.
Assets seized from suspects
Asked about organised crime links, Andreou said YKAN also focuses on the financial side of trafficking, carrying out dozens of investigations and seizing assets.
Since 2020, 89 financial investigations have been conducted, with €1,426,554 frozen and €833,783 confiscated. The largest amount was seized in 2025, totalling €357,383.
“Behind the large drug quantities lies organised crime with huge financial gains,” Andreou stressed.
Prevention and rehabilitation
Andreou said YKAN has expanded prevention work through its Early Intervention Programme, revealing that 205 people aged 14–24 were referred to treatment centres in 2025. Of these, 143 were addicts, while 62 came from supportive environments such as parents or relatives.
The aim, he said, is to give young people a second chance before their involvement with drugs becomes irreversible.
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