A 390-kilogram ketamine seizure in Limassol has put Cyprus on the European map for the drug, as use of the Class B substance rises sharply across the continent. Four people have been remanded in custody over the find, which police believe was destined for Israel, since Cyprus’s own market could not absorb such a large quantity.
The discovery has raised alarm at Cyprus’s Anti Drugs Squad (YKAN), which believes the shipment was to be moved on to Israel by yacht, given that ketamine remains virtually unknown on the Cypriot drug market. YKAN commander Christos Andreou told Philenews that just 5 grams of ketamine had been found in Cyprus this year before the seizure, and only 220 grams in the previous four years combined. “This is a drug almost unknown in Cyprus that has suddenly turned up in huge quantities, which is why we are investigating to establish its origin and destination,” he said.
Investigations so far indicate the ketamine left Germany by ship and arrived at Limassol port on a pallet, intended for onward transport to Israel by boat. Andreou explained that ketamine is a sedative, and traffickers mix it with other substances to produce a drug sold on the market as “pink cocaine” — cheaper than cocaine and therefore preferred by buyers. He revealed that after the 390kg find, drug enforcement agencies from other European countries contacted YKAN to report a sharp rise in this type of drug across Europe.
The investigation into the case is continuing. YKAN is also examining whether an earlier shipment of the same substance previously passed through Limassol. Andreou said that while ketamine has a sedative effect on its own, traffickers combine it with other substances to create a more potent drug, and it can also be used as an ingredient in manufacturing other synthetic drugs.
Including the latest find, the total quantity of drugs seized by YKAN this year has reached almost 1,000 kilograms, reflecting shifts in the market driven by supply and demand. Alongside the ketamine, poppy-derived opioids were detected in Cyprus for the first time this year, and significant quantities of Captagon have also been seized. The year’s seizures so far total 405kg of cannabis, 82kg of cocaine, 60kg of opiates, 390kg of ketamine, 1,100 Captagon pills, 1,400 ecstasy pills and 3.5kg of methamphetamine.
Larnaca and Paphos airports and Limassol port remain the main entry points for drugs into Cyprus, with the Customs Department playing a major role in detection, particularly at Larnaca airport.
