Bases police make 22 arrests in week of road safety and anti-trapping operations

Dhekelia, Cyprus. Bases police made 22 arrests over the past seven days for offences including drug possession and four drink-driving cases. Officers also investigated seven road traffic collisions, including a fatal crash on the Limassol-Paphos motorway.

Road safety operations

A total of 31 road safety operations were carried out across the SBAs, resulting in 57 fixed penalty notices and 30 written cautions.

In Dhekelia, officers arrested a man on the evening of September 1 on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs.

A search of his vehicle uncovered a small quantity of suspected crystal methamphetamine, two clasp knives, a glass pipe containing traces of drugs and a grinder believed to have been used for cannabis.

Fatal motorway collision

Police investigated seven road traffic collisions during the week, including a fatal collision on the Limassol-Paphos motorway.

A man was killed after attempting to retrieve an item that had fallen onto the road. The driver of the minibus that struck him was arrested and interviewed before being released on bail while investigations continue.

Temporary Superintendent Melina Papagregoriou said: “This was a demanding week for our officers, tragically marked by a fatal collision on the Limassol-Paphos motorway.”

Marine and anti-trapping patrols

The marine unit carried out 39 patrols and checked 51 vessels. Officers also rescued six people off Lady’s Mile after their boat suffered engine failure.

Meanwhile, the dedicated anti-bird trapping team in Dhekelia continued operations targeting the illegal capture of migrating songbirds.

Five targeted patrols were carried out, during which six iron poles and four iron bases were removed and destroyed at one site.