Two students remanded in custody for drug offenses and illegal residency in north Cyprus

Lefkoşa, North Cyprus – Two individuals arrested in connection with drug-related offenses in Lefkoşa have been ordered to remain in prison for up to 45 days pending trial. 

The suspects, AZE and YN, 'both Egyptian nationals were brought before the court after an investigation by the Narcotics and Anti-Smuggling Department.

The police stated that on July 19, 2025, around 6:30 p.m., a police team stopped a suspicious rental vehicle driven by AZE on Mustafa Ruso Street in Lefkoşa. A search of the car revealed 8 grams of cannabis, divided into nine ready-for-sale packets.

Further searches of AZE’s residences in Girne and Lefkoşa followed. While no illegal substances were found in the Girne home, police discovered 20 grams of cannabis, five ecstasy pills, a precision scale with drug residue, and cash believed to be proceeds from drug sales—15,500 Turkish Lira and £220—at his Lefkoşa residence.

AZE was taken into custody and reportedly confessed that he had obtained 50 grams of the drugs from co-accused YN, and had sold some of it under YN’s direction. YN was later apprehended in İskele.

During the course of the investigation, which included two court appearances and a nine-day extension, authorities conducted laboratory analysis on the seized materials and confirmed the completion of the inquiry.

Police also revealed that AZE, although officially registered as a student, was not attending classes, and that YN was residing in the TRNC without a valid permit.

The judge ordered that both suspects be remanded in prison for a period not exceeding 45 days while awaiting trial.