Student caught with drugs in north Cyprus found residing illegally in the country

Lefkoşa, July 17, 2025 — A Nigerian national, identified as YOM, has been sentenced to up to three months in prison after being caught in possession of illegal drugs and discovered to have been living illegally in Northern Cyprus since 2023.

The suspect was re-arraigned before a Lefkoşa court following his arrest on July 13, 2025, on drug possession charges.

The police stated that officers from the Anti-Crime Department identified the suspect during a routine patrol on Hafız Cemal Lokman Hekim Street in Ortaköy around 9:00 p.m.

A subsequent search of the suspect and his vehicle uncovered 45 grams of a controlled substance, along with 20,295 Turkish Lira and 3,960 British Pounds in cash, believed to be connected to drug-related activities. All items were seized as evidence.

The suspect was arrested at the scene and held under the “caught in the act” provision, prompting the initiation of an investigation. He was initially remanded for three days to allow further inquiry.

The investigation revealed that YOM had overstayed his permitted time in the country, having resided in the TRNC without legal status since March 27, 2023. With the investigation now concluded, the police requested that he be held in custody pending trial.

After considering the evidence, the judge ordered that the suspect be imprisoned for a period not exceeding three months while awaiting further legal proceedings.

The case underscores ongoing efforts by TRNC authorities to combat illegal immigration and drug-related offenses.