Pensioner in €1.5m drug case remanded after alleged escape attempt to north

A 68-year-old man accused in one of Cyprus’ largest recent drug cases has been remanded in custody after allegedly attempting to flee to the north using a stolen identity card while disguised with a helmet and surgical mask.

The defendant, a Cypriot pensioner, appeared before the Larnaca criminal court where he pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including importation of a class B controlled drug, conspiracy to commit a felony, illegal possession and supply of drugs, and possession with intent to supply.

The court set May 26 for the start of the trial.

During proceedings, the prosecution argued that the accused posed a clear flight risk, citing an incident on February 21 when he allegedly attempted to cross through the Deryneia crossing point on a moped using a stolen identity card.

“He attempted to mislead authorities by concealing his identity,” the prosecution told the court, adding that he wore both a helmet and a surgical mask during the attempt.

The man was stopped, arrested and a separate case was filed against him before the Famagusta district court in Paralimni in relation to the alleged escape attempt.

Defence counsel objected to the request for continued detention, pointing to what was described as an error in court documentation regarding the date of the alleged offence.

Despite the objection, the court ruled that the defendant should remain in custody until the trial begins.

The case centres on the discovery of 994 A4 sheets allegedly soaked with narcotic substances, described by authorities as the largest seizure of its kind investigated by the drug law enforcement unit.

According to investigators, the material could have been processed into approximately 300,000 doses, with an estimated street value of €1.5 million.

Police said many of the sheets contained a synthetic cannabinoid known as MDMB, a substance significantly more potent than cannabis and associated with severe psychoactive effects.

Authorities have warned that such substances pose serious risks to users due to their strength and unpredictability.

The accused was initially arrested on January 13 following a coordinated police operation at his residence in Larnaca, where the drug laced papers were allegedly found in his possession.