The Drug Enforcement Agency (YKAN) conducted coordinated operations in homes and vehicles, discovering nearly 1 kilogram of cocaine and other drugs. Four individuals were arrested, two of whom had outstanding warrants for other cases. The searches involved 13 vehicles and 10 homes, with operations set to continue targeting drug trafficking. YKAN sends a message of zero tolerance towards crime. Investigations are ongoing by the Limassol Unit.
The police arrested a 20-year-old in Larnaca regarding a shooting incident that occurred during a fight in January 2026. The individual was apprehended under a court warrant and is currently in custody. This arrest adds to the five other defendants already involved in the case. The investigation is ongoing to clarify the details of the incident. Authorities emphasize the importance of safety in the area.
Authorities are investigating a serious case of sexual assault involving a 25-year-old disabled woman in Kypseli, based on her mother's complaint. The mother saw the incident through cameras and attempted to chase the assailant, who managed to escape. The suspect is reported to be an Albanian man who had been helping the family. The girl was the victim of the assault, while there was also an attempt made on her twin sister. Both girls have been taken to a hospital for medical examinations.
A Russian tanker named Sea Horse is transporting fuel to Cuba, attempting to bypass U.S. sanctions imposed by former President Trump. The ship is expected to arrive with 200,000 barrels of Russian fuel, amidst a severe energy crisis in Cuba. The energy situation is worsening, with available electricity supplies decreasing and satellite images showing significant reductions in nighttime lighting. There are uncertainties about whether the Sea Horse will reach Cuba without encountering issues with U.S. authorities. Cuba has not received oil for months, further exacerbating its economic situation.
A 25-year-old employee of a betting agency in Limassol placed bets totaling €34,645 on Keno tickets without paying. The incident was uncovered when the agency owner found the tickets in a trash bin. The employee was arrested and brought before the court, where he was remanded in custody for four days. The police are investigating how the bets were made. This situation raises concerns about safety and ethics in the gambling market.
A 61-year-old accountant is accused of embezzling €300,000 from her employer's company. She transferred money to relatives' accounts without authorization and issued checks for her benefit. The case is under investigation by the Limassol CID, and the accountant has been arrested. The court has approved her detention for six days. The transfers were unrelated to the company's operations and were not authorized by the board.
New shocking allegations have emerged regarding severe abuse of women in Iranian prisons. Detainees face daily torture, sexual abuse, and brutal violence from police officers. Some women have been gang-raped and have undergone mutilations to eliminate evidence of their suffering. International human rights organizations are expressing serious concerns about the detention conditions. Notably, authorities have arrested over 50,000 individuals for participating in anti-government protests.
The Limassol police arrested two individuals in connection with theft cases. A 61-year-old woman, working as an accountant, is accused of stealing €303,560 from her company. Additionally, a 26-year-old employee of a betting agency was arrested for embezzling €34,645. Both cases will be examined in court. The arrested individuals are expected to appear for their detention hearings.
The weather over the long weekend will be partly cloudy with local rain and possible thunderstorms, especially on Sunday and Monday. There is a chance of snow in the highest peaks of Troodos. Temperatures will range around 22 degrees on Sunday and will drop on Monday. Winds will initially be from the north and will shift to the southwest by evening. In coastal areas, the sea will be slightly rough.
Erosion in the Keraidios Bay is seriously threatening public infrastructure and luxury homes in Peyia. The coastline has significantly receded, with warnings that the coastal promenade is at risk of collapse. Studies indicate that erosion has increased since 2014, with an average retreat of 1 meter per year. Proposals for immediate solutions include building walls to protect the base of the cliff. The situation is critical and requires urgent actions for public safety.
There is a delay in reviewing applications for building amnesty by the Provincial Self-Government Organizations, causing public concern. Although the Ministry of Interior has prioritized the issue, the organizations are not progressing satisfactorily. This results in citizens being unable to obtain necessary permits, leading to financial losses for the state. Estimates indicate that these losses exceed 5 million euros. This situation highlights a broader ineffectiveness of the organizations in managing permits.
The effort to construct a desalination unit in the free area of Famagusta is facing serious opposition from local authorities and business owners. The District Organization of Self-Government (EOA) and other stakeholders are calling for alternative locations due to environmental concerns. They argue that the proposed site in Ayia Napa is incompatible with the area’s tourism character. As a result, the process for signing a contract has been halted. The Water Development Department (WDD) is currently waiting and reviewing new proposals that have been suggested.
Bank of Cyprus has made significant progress in real estate sales, focusing on debt-for-property exchange agreements. Since 2019, sales have reached approximately €1.4 billion, exceeding the value of properties acquired during the same period. In 2025, the bank sold properties worth €264 million and recorded profits of €12 million. Despite a decrease in the managed property value, the bank has set goals for further reduction of its portfolio. The sales include various categories of properties, with a majority pertaining to land.
The intervention of the President of the Republic is expected to bring developments in the country's labor issues. On February 24, a session of the Labor Advisory Body will take place, where important topics like pension reforms and minimum pensions will be discussed. Trade unions are seeking a comprehensive restructuring of the pension system. Additionally, a meeting with the unions is scheduled for February 25 to address their requests. The situation indicates that there is movement and willingness to advance the reforms.
The situation regarding foot-and-mouth disease in Livadia is causing concern among authorities, as suspicions of illegal feed trafficking from occupied areas are increasing. Veterinary Services are working to contain the spread of the virus within three kilometers of the outbreak site. Developments include the quarantine of 23 farms and the announcement of the culling of 260 cows. Relevant authorities are ensuring biosecurity measures on farms. The situation is being closely monitored, with additional inspections and sample collections scheduled.
Former president of the Cyprus Football Association, Georgios Koumas, faces 25 charges related to conflicts of interest and money laundering. The charges include financial exploitation through two of his companies during his tenure. Koumas is accused of profiting a total of €6.5 million from illegal activities. His case will be examined in court, with his first appearance scheduled for February 26. The charges also involve his collaborations with various organizations for television productions.
The Anti-Narcotics Unit has seized 233.5 kilograms of drugs from facilities in Strovolos. Two suspects, aged 34 and 26, have been arrested and are under eight-day detention. Authorities are now investigating the potential involvement of other individuals and focusing on dismantling larger criminal networks. The investigation includes analysis of mobile phones and testimonies from the suspects' acquaintances. The Anti-Narcotics Unit is working to identify lower-level collaborators in organized crime.