**Man Remanded Over 10kg Opiate Haul in Nicosia**
A 35-year-old man has been remanded in custody for eight days following a significant drug bust in Nicosia, where authorities discovered 10 kilograms of opiate drugs at his residence. The detention order was issued by the Nicosia district court after the man's arrest during a police search of his home.
The operation was conducted by officers from the drug squad, who uncovered 54 airtight packages containing dried poppy pods, which contributed to the total weight of 10 kilograms. Additionally, police seized two nylon bags that held smaller quantities of dried poppy pods, weighing 100 grams and 15 grams, respectively. They also confiscated 15 grams of a beige powder that is believed to be associated with the ongoing investigation.
Further inquiries revealed that the suspect had been residing illegally in the Republic of Cyprus since April 2022. This arrest marks the third incident involving opiates in recent days, following two separate seizures: one at Larnaca airport on Friday and another involving 2 kilograms of opiates found in a Limassol home on Saturday.
The police are continuing their investigations into the matter, as they work to uncover any additional connections or networks involved in the trafficking of opiate drugs in the region.