Larnaca, Cyprus. Customs officers carried out inspections and seized e-cigarette liquids and other products containing synthetic narcotic substances and prohibited cannabinoids during a coordinated operation in Larnaca. The operation involved multiple agencies, including police and health-related services.
Coordinated operation and targeted premises
The customs department said it took part in a joint operation on February 20 with the police drug squad Ykan, the illegal betting unit, the pharmaceutical services and health services. The operation targeted premises in Larnaca offering cannabinoids and related products for sale.
Items detained or confiscated
During searches, officers identified and detained or confiscated 145 items, including electronic cigarettes, refill liquids, oral drops, and two liquid products containing cannabinoids intended for use in pets.
Laboratory findings and further testing
Most of the products had been identified in previous inspections and were analysed by the State General Laboratory, with tests confirming the presence of cannabinoids or other psychotropic substances. In some cases, tests detected MDMB-4en-PINACA, which authorities described as having “very serious effects on human health.”
Samples from products not yet analysed will be sent to the State General Laboratory to determine their composition. Depending on the findings, the items will either be confiscated or returned to the owner of the premises, the statement said.
Additional seizures by other services
Ykan officers located and seized 193 packages of products containing cannabis or tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Other services also seized 38 packages containing cannabidiol (CBD) products for which no marketing authorisation has been granted in the Republic.
What impact do you think such joint operations have on the sale of cannabinoid-related products in your area?