More than 323 kg of drugs seized in Northern Cyprus over 5.5 years

more than 3,000 people detained in drug-related cases in Northern Cyprus from 2020 to June 2026

Between 2020 and 3 June 2026, more than 323 kg of illegal substances were seized in Northern Cyprus during anti-drug operations. During the same period, 3,017 people were detained on suspicion of drug-related offences.

According to data from the Police General Directorate, those detained included 2,794 men and 223 women. Cannabis accounted for the largest volume of seized substances, at more than 268 kg.

During this period, the police also seized approximately 14.7 kg of methamphetamine, 11.7 kg of synthetic cannabinoids, more than 8 kg of MDMA, approximately 7.5 kg of cocaine and almost 3.8 kg of heroin.

The statistics show that in recent years, not only has the amount of drugs seized increased, but so has their variety. In particular, official data began to include new types of substances, including raw opium, psilocin, mephedrone and other synthetic drugs.

The quantities of substances seized and the number of detentions varied from year to year:
— in 2020, approximately 28.2 kg of drugs were seized and 444 people were detained;
— in 2025, the figures reached 72.6 kg of seized substances and 660 detainees;
— in the first five months of 2026, the police seized more than 23.5 kg of drugs and detained 302 people.

Cannabis remains the most widespread drug in every year, accounting for the majority of the substances seized.