Zim student wanted by the police for more than 2 years arrested while trying to leave north Cyprus

A student who was declared wanted by Turkish Cypriot police for more than two years over drug crime was arrested at Ercan Airport while trying to leave north Cyprus.

The suspect, named only as W.K, a Zimbabwean citizen, who has been on the police wanted list for drug crimes committed in Lefkosia over two years ago was identified and arrested at Ercan Airport on Wednesday, while he was about to leave the island.

He was taken to court on Thursday.

Police officer who testified in court said the suspect was wanted in connection with a drug incident in 2021. 

Explaining the incident in court, police said, on July, 27, 2021, one person was arrested during a drug operation by narcotic police in Lefkosia and 20 grams of jute was seized from the person. W.K who was declared wanted by the police for his involvement in the incident could not be identified then. So he was placed on a wanted list.

Police said he was detected by officers while trying to exit Ercan Airport on Wednesday, Jan., 3, 2024.

Police said that during a search carried out on the suspect, a grinder with jute residue was found in his bag.

Immigration check on the suspect also determined that he was living illegally in the country since November 29, 2021 until the day of his arrest.

He was charged with selling and possessing of 20 grams of drugs that occurred in 2021, possession of drugs that occurred in 2023, and unauthorized residence in the north of Cyprus.

Police stated that the suspect did not admit to the crime of drug delivery and possession, which occurred in 2021.

Police announced that the suspect admitted to the crimes of drug possession and unauthorized residence in the north of Cyprus, which occurred in 2023.

Noting that the investigation into the suspect was completed, police officer requested that the suspect be sent to prison for a period not exceeding 3 months.

The suspect, who was given the right to speak after the police, said he had nothing to say.