The YKAN (Anti-drug squad) has stated that after the war in Ukraine and due to the political instability in our wider region, persons active in the field of drugs and crime, in general, have settled permanently or temporarily in Cyprus.
As Stelios Aristeidou, the commander of the Service, said in an interview with Phileleftheros, there are growing concerns through the cases that have been solved, that people have left unstable areas and come to our country.
At the same time, he stressed that a fairly large percentage of foreigners seem to be recorded according to the latest statistics, in the total percentage of persons involved in cases related to possession, trafficking, and use of drugs.
Mr Aristeidou described drugs as a major threat, noting that the demand for illicit substances in recent years in Cypriot society has shown a fairly significant upward trend. Besides, it should be noted that, in at least the last three years, and in particular, in 2023, drug seizures have reached record levels
He added that as in other European and non-European countries, there is an increase in Cyprus in the involvement of minors in both drugs and other illegal activities. Therefore, he said, YKAN is developing and improving its partnerships and activities with other stakeholders for optimal results.
The aim, he explained, is not to stigmatize minors as lawbreakers, but as persons in need of help and treatment. To monitor the whole situation, YKAN has proceeded with the mapping of all schools and places where juveniles frequent based on the criminal cases that have been registered or the information that reaches the Service.
