**€164,000 in Drug Assets Seized in Limassol Case**
In a significant development in the fight against drug trafficking, the Limassol criminal court has ordered the seizure of assets valued at €164,000 from two suspects involved in a drug-related case. This ruling was made on Thursday, following a thorough investigation by local authorities.
The case stems from an operation conducted in November 2024, during which law enforcement officials discovered five kilograms of cocaine and 12 kilograms of cannabis. The police subsequently filed criminal charges against four individuals: two men aged 52, a 35-year-old man, and a 34-year-old man.
As part of the ongoing investigation, the drug squad collaborated with Moka, the anti-money laundering unit, to conduct a financial probe into the defendants' activities. This investigation aimed to trace the financial gains from their alleged drug trafficking operations.
The court's decision to approve the asset seizure was based on the findings of this financial investigation. The assets targeted for seizure included cash and vehicles linked to the defendants. Specifically, the court ordered the confiscation of €144,000 in assets from the 35-year-old defendant and €20,000 from the 34-year-old defendant.
This case highlights the ongoing efforts of Cypriot authorities to combat drug trafficking and related financial crimes. The collaboration between the drug squad and Moka underscores the multi-faceted approach being taken to address these issues, combining law enforcement with financial oversight to disrupt criminal enterprises.
As the investigation continues, it remains to be seen what further actions will be taken against the remaining suspects and how this case may impact future drug trafficking operations in the region. The Limassol court's ruling serves as a reminder of the serious legal consequences associated with drug-related offenses in Cyprus.