Nine people were arrested during overnight operations carried out across Cyprus as part of a nationwide crackdown on crime and traffic offences, the police said on Sunday.

Those arrested are suspected of offences including carrying a knife, drug possesion, unlawful possession of property, causing grievous bodily harm, residing illegally in the Republic and drink-driving.

During the operation, police stopped and checked 727 drivers and 372 passengers. Officers also inspected 102 premises, resulting in 23 reports for various offences.

Traffic officers issued 323 citations for a range of traffic violations and opened 18 cases for offences under investigation.

Among the violations recorded were 90 speeding offences. Police also impounded 22 vehicles.

A total of 453 breathalyser tests were carried out, leading to 38 drink-driving reports, while five drivers tested positive in preliminary roadside drug tests.