Police have dismantled a network suspected of distributing opiate-based substances via social media following seizures exceeding 20 kilograms in the past ten days. In the latest operation, a 35-year-old man was arrested in Nicosia after officers discovered 54 sealed packages of dried poppy pods weighing 10 kilograms, along with smaller quantities of related substances.

Investigators from the drug squad (Ykan) uncovered the network’s use of TikTok to advertise and sell dried poppy pods, primarily targeting the Indian community in Cyprus. The suspect, who has been residing illegally in Cyprus since April 2022, was remanded in custody for eight days to aid investigations.

This arrest follows the detention of five other suspects in separate cases involving around 12 kilograms of dried poppy pods. Authorities have not confirmed whether the substances were imported or locally obtained. Ykan continues its investigation into the supply chain and distribution network.