Ketamine and "pink cocaine" from Israel: Four arrests in Cyprus
Two couples, of Israeli and Palestinian nationality, have been arrested in Cyprus for drug trafficking using luxury vessels from Israel.
Drug trafficking network via yacht: Four suspects remanded in custody in Limassol
Cyprus's anti-narcotics unit has arrested four people — two Israeli nationals and two Palestinians — suspected of organised importation and distribution of large quantities of drugs from Israel to Cyprus, according to documentonews.gr. The suspects brought the narcotics on ultra-luxury vessels to marinas and ports in Limassol and Larnaca.
The Limassol court issued warrants for eight-day remand in custody for all defendants. The defence lawyers did not object to the police request, whilst the suspects themselves are making claims that are under investigation.
What police found in the two residences
During a search of the 53-year-old Israeli's residence in Ypsonas, in the presence of himself, his 51-year-old wife and a 50-year-old Palestinian, officers discovered 34 grammes of cocaine, 246.5 grammes of ketamine, 15 grammes of mephedrone, 12 grammes of MDMA, €4,150 in cash, 42 packets of duty-free cigarettes, mobile phones and other evidence.
At the second residence, in Mouttagiaka, where the 50-year-old Palestinian lived with his 35-year-old wife, 126 kilogrammes and 630 grammes of ketamine were found. The substance was concealed inside 13 paint containers so as not to be easily detected.
Disguised in building materials
According to information from ALPHA, the narcotics arrived on the island disguised in packaging of building materials and hygiene products. They were then transferred to two houses that were used as storage facilities, with the final destination being Israeli permanent residents of Cyprus.
What is "dosa" — the "pink cocaine" of Israeli parties
Politis Cyprus points out that the seized ketamine is of particular interest due to its use as a key ingredient in a drug that has become very popular, particularly in Israel: the so-called "dosa", known internationally as "pink cocaine" or "tusi".
It is not cocaine in a specific form, but rather a mixture of psychoactive substances with variable composition from batch to batch. A central ingredient in many samples is ketamine — a substance with anaesthetic and dissociative properties that is used legally in medicine. In "dosa", ketamine is often combined with MDMA, caffeine and other stimulant substances, creating a particularly unpredictable effect on the central nervous system.
The effects include a sense of dissociation, perceptual disturbances, confusion and coordination problems, whilst in larger doses it can cause severe depression. Sample analyses have also identified, depending on the source, cocaine, methamphetamine and synthetic cathinones. The characteristic pink colour comes from dyes and does not constitute an indication of specific composition.
Widespread use in Israel's nightlife
Israeli media reports describe "dosa" as widely prevalent in the country's nightlife — from clubs and parties to social events and banquet halls. Corresponding mixtures have also been recorded in Latin America, European countries and the United States.
According to Israeli Ynet, its price has dropped drastically compared to its early years in circulation, and today it sells for approximately half the price of cocaine. Experts report that in part of Israeli nightlife it has essentially replaced cocaine, attracting a broader age group of consumers due to its lower cost.
Source: Google News GR — Crime (el)