Three students caught in major drug bust in Lefkoşa

Lefkoşa, July 31, 2025 — Three foreign nationals were brought before a Lefkoşa court on Tuesday following a significant drug bust.

The suspects — ENI, NNI, and AMUF, all Nigerians nationals — were arrested as part of a narcotics operation conducted by the Crime Prevention Unit and the Anti-Narcotics Division.

Police officers involved in the operation testified that on July 28, around 4:00 PM, a vehicle, driven by ENI and with NNI as a passenger, was flagged for suspicious activity in the Hamitköy area.

Upon searching the vehicle, authorities discovered approximately 3 grams of a substance believed to be an illegal narcotic. The drugs were hidden in three separate foil-wrapped packages tucked inside the driver's door handle. Both suspects were immediately taken into custody.

Further Arrest and House Raid

Following an initial investigation, police learned from NNI that the drugs had been received earlier that day in the Küçük Kaymaklı district from AMUF, who was allegedly acting as a distributor. AMUF was located and arrested at his residence the same day.

A search of AMUF’s home revealed approximately 45 grams of suspected drugs packaged in two transparent plastic bags found on a desk in his bedroom. During questioning, AMUF confessed that on July 21, he had received five packages totaling 140 grams of narcotics from an individual identified only as “Salles,” a Nigerian national. He claimed he was instructed to distribute the drugs to various contacts and was promised $60 for each package, with payment to be made once all substances were sold.

On July 29, narcotics officers conducted a second search of AMUF’s residence, uncovering an additional 15 grams of drugs, packaged in 14 separate parcels.

Ongoing Investigation and Court Proceedings

According to police testimony delivered, the investigation remains in its early stages. Authorities are awaiting laboratory results to confirm the nature of the seized substances and are currently analyzing the suspects’ mobile phones to identify any further criminal connections.

Requesting an extension of the detention period, police cited the need for further inquiries and forensic analysis. 

The judge approved the request, ordering that all three suspects remain in custody for an additional eight days.

Investigations are ongoing.