The successful conclusion of the police operation that led to the confiscation of a large quantity of drugs is “a development of extreme importance for the protection of the society and the younger generation in particular,” President Nikos Christodoulides said on Friday.

In a post on X, Christodoulides congratulated the police, the drug squad and state services for “working in a professional manner, methodically and with a high sense of duty”.

He said the “successive triumphs” in police operations demonstrated that “targeted actions are being systematically intensified, within the framework of a comprehensive strategy to combat crime”.

“The effort continues with a plan, consistency and determination, with the aim of continuously shielding the society and the sense of security among citizens,” he said.

Justice Minister Costas Fitiris also congratulated the police, saying “the protection of society and particularly the youth from the pestilence of drugs is a top priority”.

The haul of drugs, firearms and explosives, he said, constituted a crucial blow against organised crime.

He added that the successful operation proved in practice that the determination, professionalism and operational adequacy of the police are translated into substantive and measurable results.

“This success is not random. It is the result of the systematic evaluation of information, coordinated action and high-level operational readiness. Behind this result are hours of methodical work, professionalism, dedication and a high sense of responsibility,” Fitiris said.

Chief of police Themistos Arnaoutis visited the drug squad on Friday and congratulated the officers and all involved services for the drug bust, saying that excellent cooperation, coordination and operational readiness contributed decisively to the successful outcome.

He added that the police would continue to combat every form of crime with determination.

On Thursday, two men aged 34 and 26 were arrested following the discovery of over 200kg of drugs, weapons and explosives at a residence in Strovolos.