Two men arrested in Lefkosia following drug-related car chase

Lefkosia, July 8, 2025 — Two men were ordered to remain in police custody for three days following a high-speed chase and subsequent arrest on suspicion of illegal drug possession in Lefkosia.

The suspects, identified as Mehmet Bakır and Mustafa Kuni, were apprehended on the evening of July 7, 2025, after attempting to flee from police during a routine patrol conducted by the Crime Prevention Unit (CÖŞ) of the Lefkosia Police Directorate.

According to testimony presented in court, the police said the incident occurred at 9:30 PM on the Lefkcosia North Bypass. Officers approached a vehicle parked suspiciously along a bicycle lane when the driver, Mehmet Bakır, and passenger, Mustafa Kuni, attempted to escape the scene.

Bakır drove off toward the Near East Boulevard, but soon lost control of the vehicle, crashing into a curb and coming to a halt. Police reported that both suspects resisted arrest at the scene and were subdued using reasonable force.

A search of the vehicle revealed approximately 2 grams of a substance believed to be cocaine, along with a rolled cigarette suspected of containing narcotics, a metal spoon with drug residue, and a screw.

Police stated that the investigation is still in its early stages. Further witness statements are expected, and security camera footage is being reviewed. The seized items have been sent for laboratory analysis.

The judge, taking into account the police testimony, ordered that the suspects remain in custody for an additional three days to allow for the continuation of the investigation.