Three men caught trafficking drugs to north Cyprus detained for 8 days

Three men who were arrested in connection with the seizure of 13 kilos of cannabis at Ercan Airport, were detained by 8 more days on Friday.

Three suspects; MB, ZB and OS, arrested in connection with the seizure of 13 kilos of cannabis at Ercan Airport on April 28, 2024, appeared in court for the second time on Friday.

The police stated that during the suspects’ detention, numerous individuals were questioned and statements were obtained from six individuals, while the seized substances were sent for analysis.

Giving evidence in court, police stated that at 9 am on April 28, 2024, Customs and Excise Department officials discovered 13 kilograms of cannabis in 26 packages inside MB’s suitcase during a check at Ercan Airport. MB confessed to obtaining the drugs from a person in Taiwan and intending to deliver them to an unknown individual in the TRNC, receiving 5,000 euros in return. 

Meanwhile, ZB, who arranged for MB’s arrival and sent a taxi to the airport, was intercepted at the Akyar Border Crossing with south Cyprus at around 3.30 pm on April 29, 2024, while attempting to cross to South Cyprus. Despite denying any involvement, evidence suggests ZB’s connection to MB, including communication and sharing of accommodation details. 

Further investigation revealed OS’s involvement as the taxi driver hired by ZB, who was subsequently arrested. 

The police mentioned that when they attempted to examine the arrested suspects’ phones, but ZB refused to provide his password, and OS claimed that his phone had malfunctioned. 

The police emphasised the importance of phone records for the ongoing investigation, however, ZB had reset his phone and OS had refused to provide the password.

The suspects were detained, with the court granting an extension of their detention for eight more days while investigations continue.