34 arrests in one week at British Bases – drugs and arson
British Bases Police conducted 34 arrests over seven days, with cases involving drugs, drink-driving and an arson investigation.
Wave of arrests at BB: 34 handcuffs, cocaine and vehicle fire
British Bases Police (BB) carried out 34 arrests during the past week, according to information confirmed and reported by Philenews. The cases involve various offences, with eight of them linked to driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
In parallel, authorities are investigating four separate drug cases. In three of these, quantities suspected to be cocaine were found.
Extensive road safety checks
As part of 30 road safety campaigns across the entire British Bases area, 63 fixed penalty notices were issued for traffic violations. Twenty-five alcohol checks were also conducted using breathalysers.
Rescue of two men at sea
In the early morning hours of Saturday, officers in the Dekelia area confirmed the successful completion of a joint search and rescue operation. The operation involved British Bases Police, the Search and Rescue Coordination Centre and Cyprus Police. Two men, aged 25 and 37, were located and rescued safe and sound, at a distance of one and a half nautical miles from the shore.
Deputy Police Commissioner Melina Papagregoriou warned of the dangers at sea, particularly following several drowning incidents in Cyprus – including the death of a 72-year-old in Dekelia on 17 August. "These incidents serve as a timely reminder that conditions at sea can change very quickly," said Papagregoriou. "We urge everyone to remain aware of weather and sea conditions, to avoid unnecessary risks and to seek immediate assistance if they become aware of someone in difficulty".
Arson investigation at Akrotiri
An investigation is underway into an arson incident in the British Bases Akrotiri area, following a vehicle fire on Sunday morning. Authorities believe that one vehicle was deliberately targeted and that the fire spread to a second vehicle parked nearby.
"Our current assessment is that one of the vehicles was deliberately targeted and that the fire subsequently spread to a second vehicle that was parked close by," said Papagregoriou. "Our investigation is ongoing as we continue to investigate the motive and the full circumstances surrounding the incident".
Commenting on the overall picture of the week, Papagregoriou emphasised: "It has been a particularly demanding week for our two Directorate divisions, with incidents ranging from the protection and loss of human life at sea, to drug cases, dangerous driving and serious criminal investigations. Our officers continue to combine immediate response with preventive policing in both areas of the British Bases".
Source: Philenews