TRNC police seize six sugar gliders in Lapta and detain two people

TRNC police seized six sugar gliders in Lapta — exotic animals whose ownership is prohibited in Northern Cyprus. Two people were detained in connection with the case.

According to the police press office, on 14 September it was established in Lapta that a local resident identified by the initials L.C.C. had listed the animals for sale through his social media account.

As part of the ensuing investigation, his home was searched and six sugar gliders were found — a species whose natural habitat is in Australia. In addition to L.C.C., A.Y. was detained after investigators established his connection to the case.

All six animals were handed over to staff at Taşkent Doğa Parkı, where they will be housed. The police investigation is ongoing.

The sugar glider is a small marsupial native to Australia, New Guinea and nearby islands. It is nocturnal, and the membrane between its front and hind legs allows it to glide between trees.