A 22-year-old man was remanded in custody for eight days on Friday after police seized about 6.4kg of cannabis.[1] The Nicosia district court issued the remand order after his arrest in Engomi the previous day.[1] He is being investigated for illegal importation and possession of controlled drugs, possession with intent to supply, conspiracy to commit a felony and offences related to the proceeds of illegal activity.[2]
The investigation concerned a parcel containing 2.56kg of cannabis that arrived in Cyprus from abroad on 26 October.[1] Police investigated the case with the customs department.[1] The parcel had been declared as Lego toys.[2] It carried the details of a sender company in the United States and a recipient address in Engomi.[2] Anti-drug police replaced the cannabis with dummies and mounted a controlled delivery.[2] On 29 October the parcel was left at a parking area in Engomi under police surveillance.[2] A 62-year-old taxi driver then collected it and was arrested.[3] He told police a customer had instructed him to collect it and that he did not know what it contained.[1] He was released after questioning when no evidence emerged against him.[1]
Further inquiries led police to the 22-year-old, and officers stopped his car for a check.[3] In the car they found three packets holding about 100g of cannabis and further packages weighing about 3.84kg, police said.[1] They also seized €4,330 and five mobile phones.[1]
The investigation was at an early stage.[2] Investigators planned to take statements and examine phone data and transactions, and asked the taxi platform and courier companies for information.[2] Police are also looking into possible accomplices and earlier shipments.[2]