People smugglers remanded for eight days

Famagusta district court on Tuesday issued an eight-day remand order against four individuals to help police investigations into a case of people smuggling after 60 irregular migrants arrived the previous day.

According to police, “at around 5.25am on Monday a vessel was spotted in the Ayia Triada marine area. Aboard the vessel were 60 individuals of which, 40 men, seven women and 13 minors. Two of the seven women were pregnant and were taken to Famagusta general hospital for treatment.

Police investigations led to testimony against the four individuals who were also aboard the vessel. They are four men aged 20, 20, 22 and 33 against whom arrest warrants were issued.

The four individuals are being investigated over illegal entry into the Republic with the intent and purpose of making profit, illegal entry into the territory of the Republic and transporting people by sea in an unsafe or overloaded vessel.

They reportedly arrived via the north, and were then taken to the Pournara reception centre in Kokkinotrimithia.

In the meantime, according to Turkish Cypriot press, people have been arrested in the north after a vessel from Mersina, Turkey carrying 54 Syrian refugees, of which 11 were minors, was apprehended in Ayia Erini on August 19.

The refugees were reportedly then taken to a specific location in north Nicosia with the intent of escaping into the Republic.

The smugglers were taken to court, leading to the breakup of a smuggling ring, Dialogue reported.