Suspects in Nicosia-Famagusta Highway Drug Case Remain in Custody for Additional Eight Days

In court, a police officer detailed the facts, explaining that following the release of footage showing the two men unconscious on social media on February 12, 2025, a large-scale investigation was initiated by the Narcotics and Smuggling Prevention Directorate due to suspicions that the men may have been under the influence of drugs, especially considering the increase in fatal accidents.

The officer confirmed that the individuals in the vehicle were identified as Seyfi Keskin (29) and Cem Aksel (50).

Following the investigation, on February 13, 2025, police located Cem Aksel in Gönyeli, where a search of his vehicle uncovered approximately 100 milligrams of synthetic cannabinoid believed to be on white paper pieces, a pair of scissors with suspected drug residue, and three straws suspected to contain drug traces.

Keskin, aware of the search for him, was apprehended on February 14, 2025, at Ercan Airport while attempting to depart.

The police reported that the suspects admitted to purchasing drugs by paying 500 TL each and confessed to using the substances while driving. They also mentioned that Keskin initially drove the vehicle but handed over control to Aksel when he became unfit to continue, though Aksel also struggled to drive due to the drug's effects, leaving them stranded on the road.

The police officer noted that while Keskin provided blood and urine samples, Aksel did not offer samples for testing.

Further investigations revealed that the suspects' homes were searched within the last three days, but no illegal items were found. Despite the ongoing investigation into drug possession and trafficking, police stated they would also look into traffic violations related to driving under the influence, using the city’s security cameras to trace their route.

Additionally, the police revealed that a check on the suspects' legal status was underway, and the immigration office had been contacted for further verification.

As the investigation continued, the officer requested an additional eight days of detention for the suspects.

Judge Nuray Necdet, after considering the testimony, ordered the suspects to remain in custody for another eight days.