University student in north Cyprus accused of drug possession

A university student accused of possessing a total of 25 grams of cannabis packaged for sale has been released on bail following a hearing at the Lefkoşa District Court.

The suspect, identified as JFK, was arrested on August 24 after police received intelligence suggesting he was in possession of drugs prepared for distribution.

According to testimony given in court by a policeşildal, from the Crime Prevention Unit and the Narcotics and Anti-Smuggling Directorate approached the suspect’s apartment in Lefkoşa. Upon noticing the officers, the suspect attempted to flee, discarding a bag beneath a parked car. The bag was later recovered, containing 22 packets of cannabis totaling 16 grams.

Further searches uncovered: 11 packets (6 grams) hidden near the building’s water tanks, 6 packets (3 grams) concealed inside the suspect’s wardrobe.

The suspect was eventually located hiding between vehicles in a nearby parking area and was restrained after attempting to escape a second time. In his initial statement, he reportedly admitted to discarding the drugs out of fear. He also claimed the narcotics were obtained through instructions sent via email and that he was expected to deliver them to specified locations around Lefkoşa.

The suspect had previously appeared in court twice, during which police were granted an eight-day extension to complete the investigation. Officers confirmed that he has no prior criminal record and is in the TRNC as a university student.

The judge ruled that the suspect be released under the following bail conditions: he pay a ₺75,000 cash deposit, banned from leaving the country, report to the nearest police station once a week.

The suspect will now await trial while remaining under judicial supervision.