The commander of Cyprus's Anti-Drugs Unit (YKAN), Christos Andreou, has called for the swift passage of phone surveillance legislation, highlighting that Cyprus may be the only European country without this power. Without access to telecommunications data, investigators have been forced to arrest lower-level drug couriers instead of the leaders of trafficking networks.

YKAN's recent operations uncovered an alarming rise in new drugs, including 57 kilograms of opium poppy pods—substances rarely seen in Cyprus until now. Authorities suspect these pods are being smuggled via courier companies from Austria or Germany, likely organized by Indian nationals, leading to over seven arrests nationwide. Additionally, cocaine seizures have more than doubled, rising from 30 to 72 kilograms in the first half of this year compared to last year.

Andreou warned the drug problem is spreading widely, including in schools, and stressed the importance of new surveillance powers to reduce the lengthy investigation times and effectively dismantle large trafficking networks. YKAN continues prevention efforts and rehabilitation programs amidst an increasing volume of drug offenses and related arrests.