Police arrest 14 in nationwide preventive operations

Nicosia, Cyprus. Police arrested 14 people during nationwide preventive operations on Sunday night, as officers increased patrols and checks across the island.

According to a police statement issued on Monday, the operations targeted serious crime prevention, public order and public security.

Operations and arrests

Organised patrols were conducted at key locations in urban areas. The 14 arrests concerned alleged offences including illegal possession of drugs, illegal stay in the Republic, assaulting a police officer, carrying a knife and traffic offences.

During the overnight operations, officers stopped 490 vehicles and checked 657 people travelling in them.

Police also conducted 46 checks at premises as part of efforts to combat unlawful activity, resulting in two reports.

Traffic and road safety checks

Road safety checks resulted in 212 reported traffic violations, while a further 23 suspected traffic offences remain under investigation.

Of the reports issued, 91 concerned speeding. Police impounded 12 vehicles as part of their investigations.

Officers carried out 309 alcohol tests, resulting in 36 reports. Three preliminary drug tests were also conducted, all returning positive results.

Continued operations

Police said preventive and crime-combating operations would continue daily through an increased police presence, targeted checks and immediate operational action.