Serious surge in drug and sexual crimes revealed in Lefkoşa and Güzelyurt: Judicial data

Data shared at the closing session of the 2024-2025 judicial year of the Lefkoşa High Criminal Court has revealed a significant rise in drug, sexual, theft, and traffic-related crimes in Lefkoşa and Güzelyurt.

Of the 331 serious criminal cases filed in Lefkoşa, 147 involved drug offenses, making these, along with sexual crimes, the leading reasons for convictions in prison. In Güzelyurt, 1,029 criminal cases were filed over the past two years. High Criminal Court President Füsun Cemaller emphasized that combating crime cannot be left solely to the courts and called for an increase in police numbers.

Dramatic Increase in Serious Crimes

Senior Prosecutor İldeniz stated that 590 cases were concluded in the last two judicial years—463 in Lefkoşa, 104 in Güzelyurt, and 23 transferred from Lefke. He added that 59 cases were carried over to the new judicial year, with 374 serious criminal cases pending indictment.

Lefkoşa Traffic Accidents: 17 Dead, 436 Injured

Deputy Police Chief Erkut Efendi reported 17,085 traffic accidents in Lefkoşa’s jurisdiction between September 18, 2023, and June 27, 2025, resulting in 17 fatalities and 436 injuries. Traffic offenses were rampant: 67,173 individuals were cited for traffic violations, including 1,179 for drunk driving.

Crime Details: Sharp Rise in Drug and Theft Offenses

Efendi highlighted alarming trends:

-Drug possession cases soared from 32 in late 2023 to 149 in 2024 and 70 in 2025.

-Theft cases increased from 39 (late 2023) to 171 (2024) and 85 (2025).

-Sexual offenses rose from 10 (late 2023) to 36 (2024) and 13 (2025).

Lefkoşa Police cells currently hold 14 detainees, while Lefkoşa Central Prison houses 114 pre-trial detainees, mostly for serious crimes such as murder, aggravated assault, drug offenses, and sexual crimes.

Güzelyurt Crime Statistics Also Concerning

Deputy Chief Kayabaşı reported 504 felony cases and 525 misdemeanor cases filed in Güzelyurt between September 2023 and June 2025, along with nearly 9,000 traffic violations. Over 1,100 individuals were arrested in this period.

Central Prison Data: Most Convicts for Drugs and Sexual Crimes

Central Prison Director Fatih Erdoğan revealed the prison currently holds 195 convicts, with offenses including:

-Drug crimes: 67

-Sexual offenses: 26

-Murder and attempted murder: 25 combined

-Burglary, armed offenses, and more.

A total of 453 inmates are serving sentences, including 28 women, while 323 are pre-trial detainees, including 19 women.

Probation and Concerns Over Illegal Students

Probation Board member Mustafa Hidayet stated 42 individuals benefited from probation, while 36 cases remain under review.

President Cemaller stressed that students who overstay their visas are heavily represented in crime statistics, urging comprehensive action beyond the judiciary, including increased police staffing. She highlighted the need for proactive measures to ensure children grow up safely and to maintain public peace.