A 27-year-old woman was on Tuesday sentenced to nine years in prison after being found guilty of importing and possessing cannabis with intent to supply.

The criminal court in Larnaca handed down the sentence following her arrest at Larnaca airport on March 26, where she had arrived from a third country.

Following a tip-off to the drug law enforcement unit (Ykan), officers instructed customs officials to carry out a search of her luggage.

During the inspection, authorities discovered 28 packages containing plant material identified as cannabis.

The total weight was approximately 16.146g.

The woman was arrested at the scene and later charged with drug importation, receiving drugs from another person, and possession with intent to supply.

The operation was part of ongoing cooperation between the Cyprus police and the customs department to intercept drug trafficking into the republic.