Police in Cyprus arrested 26 people and froze assets worth about €500,000 in Operation Plegma, targeting drug trafficking and money laundering networks. The arrests came after a months-long probe that began in February with the seizure of 167 kilos of cannabis and 62 kilos of cocaine. Police said the Directorate for Combating Organised Crime (DAOE) carried out the operation across Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca and Famagusta districts and at the Central Prisons, executing court arrest warrants for all 26. Officers carried out 27 searches of homes, premises, vehicles and prison cells. They seized 25,025 euros in cash, 37 mobile phones, a pistol and a shotgun, along with ammunition. Police also recovered fireworks and pyrotechnics, including 354 bangers, 456 flares, 22 fireworks, 192 sparklers and two smoke bombs, plus precision scales and grinders containing small amounts of cannabis. The drugs recovered included small quantities of cannabis and about 10 grams of cocaine. Working with the Unit for Combating Money Laundering (MOKAS), police obtained court orders freezing a house, plots of land, ten cars and two motorcycles, with an estimated value of about 400,000 euros. A further 100,000 euros had been frozen by the time of the operation. The investigation started after large quantities of drugs were found in Nicosia district. On 19 February, the Anti-Drugs Unit stopped a vehicle carrying two people and found 11,480 bangers, with one occupant carrying cannabis and cocaine. Searches of a house and premises linked to the driver later turned up cannabis and cocaine, firearms, explosive devices and money. The offences under investigation include illegal supply and possession of Class A and Class B controlled drugs, possession with intent to supply, participation in a criminal organisation, conspiracy to commit a felony, involvement in committing crimes and money laundering. Police are also examining illegal possession of explosives and the circulation of medicinal products without the required licence. Five people from the February case are already in custody awaiting trial, while the wider operation is continuing to identify support mechanisms and financial resources tied to the criminal networks.