Beach safety operation leads to 12 detentions in first four weeks

An intensified law-enforcement presence at two busy coastal areas has resulted in twelve people being taken into custody since late May, with one suspect allegedly carrying both narcotics and banned arms.

Beach safety operation leads to 12 detentions in first four weeks

An intensified law-enforcement presence at two busy coastal areas has resulted in twelve people being taken into custody since late May, with one suspect allegedly carrying both narcotics and banned arms.

The initiative, known as Operation Guardian, started on May 30 and is scheduled to continue until August 31. It targets Lady's Mile and Curium beaches, which together attract upward of seven thousand visitors every weekend in summer.

Over the first four weeks, patrols stopped a 34-year-old man from Bulgaria who appeared to be driving while under the influence of drugs. During a search of his vehicle, officers discovered a minor quantity of substances thought to be for his own use, plus multiple prohibited weapons: kitchen knives with pointed blades, a scythe and a wooden club. He remains in custody ahead of a July 6 hearing.

In addition to the arrests, personnel recorded twenty traffic offences, issued sixty written cautions covering both road and powerboat rules, and referred two people for conducting commercial activities without authorisation. The marine squad also carried out safety checks on 113 vessels and personal watercraft.

Leading the operation, Chief Inspector Tony Demetriou described the early outcomes as encouraging, noting that visible patrols have helped keep order while giving visitors greater confidence. The force is asking the public to stay alert, lock vehicles and follow guidance when driving or using boats and jet skis.

Source: Cyprus Mail

Source: Cyprus Mail