Man accused of drug possession and illegal residence remanded in custody for four more days

GİRNE – A man facing charges of drug possession and illegal residence in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) has been ordered to remain in police custody for an additional four days as the investigation continues.

The suspect, identified as HK, was brought before a Girne court once again on Thursday, following his initial arrest in connection with the offenses of “Possession of a Controlled Substance” and “Unlawful Residency in the TRNC.”

Presenting the case in court, an officer from the Girne Criminal Investigation Department testified that police received a tip-off on April 30 regarding the presence of narcotics hidden under a brick on a sidewalk in a Girne neighborhood. Acting on the information, officers conducted surveillance at the location.

According to the testimony, HK arrived in the area in a vehicle bearing license plate MP 134. He was detained at the scene, and a search of his person revealed approximately 2 grams of cocaine wrapped in white toilet paper, which was seized as evidence.

A subsequent search of HK’s residence uncovered a grinder, which contained 0.05 milligrams of cannabis, also taken into evidence.

The police officer further stated that a check of immigration records revealed that HK has been residing in the TRNC illegally since December 28, 2023.

During questioning, HK reportedly admitted to obtaining the narcotics from an individual he had contacted through the encrypted messaging app Telegram. The police said this aspect of the investigation remains ongoing.

Authorities also informed the court that the suspect had previously been brought before the court twice, resulting in a total of eight days of extended custody. During that time, multiple witness statements were collected, and CCTV footage was reviewed.

Arguing that the investigation is still active, police requested a further four-day extension of HK’s detention.

The judge ordered that HK remain in police custody for an additional four days pending further investigation.