Six kilos of cannabis hidden in painting – two arrests at Larnaca airport
Customs officials discovered 11 packages of cannabis concealed behind a painting in a parcel. Two men, aged 39 and 67, were arrested.
Disguised cannabis shipment at Larnaca airport
Two men were arrested on Friday, 16 October following an operation by the Organised Crime Unit (ΔΑΟΕ) – Narcotics Unit (ΥΚΑΝ) at Larnaca airport, where 6 kilos and 110 grammes of cannabis were found. According to Politis, the drug was hidden behind a painting inside a parcel that arrived from a third country.
Discovery in the morning
Officials from the Customs Department carried out the inspection during the morning hours of Friday. The parcel was declared as a painting, however the inspection revealed 11 packages of dried plant cannabis material behind the painting with a total gross weight of 6 kilos and 110 grammes. The drugs were seized and handed over to the ΔΑΟΕ – ΥΚΑΝ.
The 'trap' for the recipients
Around 3:30 in the afternoon, members of the ΔΑΟΕ were stationed in wait and arrested a 39-year-old who appeared to collect the parcel. With him was a 67-year-old, who was also subjected to a police check. During the search of the 67-year-old, a brown solid substance weighing approximately two grammes was found in his possession, resulting in him being arrested in flagrante delicto.
Evidence linking the 67-year-old to the parcel
According to the police, evidence emerged from subsequent examinations that links the 67-year-old to the quantity of cannabis found in the parcel. The two suspects were remanded in custody for investigation of offences relating to the supply, import and possession of drugs with intent to distribute them to third parties.
The investigation is being continued by the ΔΑΟΕ through the Narcotics Unit Department in Larnaca.
Source: Politis