Two students arrested at university dormitory in Haspolat – One for drug Possession, the other for illegal stay

Haspolat, Northern Cyprus – July 30, 2025 – Two individuals residing at a university dormitory in Haspolat were arrested following a police raid that uncovered illegal drug possession and an immigration violation.

According to police reports presented in court, one of the individuals identified as ECE, a Nigerian national was caught in possession of cannabis and related drug paraphernalia during a search of his dorm room. 

His roommate, identified as LEK, a Nigerian national, was also detained after it was discovered that he had been residing in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) without legal authorization for 609 days.

The operation took place on the evening of July 29, 2025, around 10:00 p.m. Police conducted a search at the campus residence of a university operating in the Haspolat area, where the individuals were apprehended with suspected cannabis and packaging materials. 

Seized items included: TL 1,680 in cash, aluminum foil used for packaging, a grinder, 17 individually wrapped packages of suspected cannabis, 12 pre-cut aluminum sheets prepared for drug packaging, a clear plastic bag containing suspected cannabis, and an unmarked envelope containing approximately 25 grams of suspected cannabis in eight separate aluminum wraps.

The police testified that ECE was arrested on the spot for possession of illegal drugs. Meanwhile, an immigration check revealed that LEK had overstayed his legal residency by over 600 days, with his legal status having expired on November 29, 2023.

Both individuals were taken into custody and brought before the Lefkoşa District Court. 

The police stated that the investigation into ECE is ongoing, with additional statements to be taken and the seized substances to be sent for forensic analysis. 

In LEK’s case, the authorities are coordinating with the Immigration Department to initiate deportation proceedings.

Following the presentation of the evidence, the judge ordered that both suspects remain in police custody for an additional two days pending further investigation.

Authorities have not released the name of the university involved in the incident.