Massive drug and firearms seizure in north Cyprus — Two suspects remanded

In a joint operation carried out in Lefkoşa and Gönyeli, police seized a significant quantity of drugs, firearms, ammunition, and cash. 

Two men, identified as DÖG and MB, were arrested and brought before the court on charges of Illegal Importation, Possession, and Supply of Controlled Drugs and Firearms. The suspects have been remanded in custody for three days pending further investigation.

According to police testimony presented in court, the operation was conducted by the Crime Prevention Unit and the Narcotics and Anti-Smuggling Directorate. On 9 August 2025, officers on patrol spotted a suspiciously parked vehicle on Dr. Remzi Gönenç Street in Lefkoşa. When officers attempted to inspect the vehicle, it sped away. Shortly afterward, the vehicle was intercepted in Gönyeli.

A search of the car, in the presence of driver DÖG and passenger MB, revealed ₺54,000, €4,170, £1,950, and $201 in cash, along with a transparent plastic packet containing approximately 0.5 grams of a substance believed to be a controlled drug. Both men were arrested at the scene.

On 10 August, acting on a court order, police searched MB’s residence in Yenişehir, Lefkoşa. Officers discovered a black “Sig Sauer” 9mm pistol with a magazine, a “Walther” 7.65mm pistol with a magazine containing five live rounds, and a protein powder container wrapped in grey and black tape containing approximately 112 grams of a suspected controlled drug. A precision scale bearing drug residue was also seized.

A subsequent search at DÖG’s residence in Küçük Kaymaklı uncovered another precision scale with suspected drug residue, two spoons with similar traces, and a glass pipe.

Police testified that both suspects gave voluntary statements admitting to importing the drugs from South Cyprus under the direction of another individual. The investigation is still in its early stages, with further witness statements to be taken, forensic analysis of the seized substances, and ballistic testing of the firearms pending. Authorities also confirmed that additional suspects and missing evidence are being sought.

Following the testimony, the judge ordered that both men remain in police custody for three days while the investigation continues.