North Cyprus court sentences man to two years in prison for drug offenses

The Lefkoşa Assize Court in north Cyprus has sentenced 24-year-old Mervan Bolat to two years in prison after he was caught with 2.5 grams of synthetic cannabinoid during a police operation on 24 September 2024.

The court, presided over by Judge Füsun Cemaller alongside Senior Judge Vedia Berkut Barkın and Judge Tutku Candaş, ruled that the offense, combined with Bolat’s previous pending cases, required a custodial sentence.

In delivering the verdict, Judge Cemaller emphasized that drug-related crimes are considered serious and widespread, requiring deterrent sentences in the public interest.

Although the seized quantity was relatively small, the court noted that Bolat had been previously linked to two other cases involving five different types of narcotics, which was considered an aggravating factor.

The judges also acknowledged mitigating elements, including Bolat’s young age, his admission of guilt, and the time he had already spent in custody. However, Judge Cemaller underlined that: “Given the severity and prevalence of drug crimes, no penalty other than imprisonment would be appropriate.”

Bolat was sentenced to two years in prison for possession and use of synthetic cannabinoid.