British tourist held after drug tussle

A 39-YEAR-OLD British tourist was remanded in custody for four days by a Larnaca court yesterday on suspicion of possessing and dealing drugs.

Karl Joseph Westwood, from Bolton in Lancashire, was arrested by drug squad officers at an Ayia Napa pub on Sunday night following a tip-off.

Police allege that, when they entered the Square Pub, the suspect was seen trying to swallow a piece of hashish after taking it out of his pocket.

When officers tried to step in, Westwood allegedly assaulted them, and a tussle ensued as policemen and suspect grappled on the floor. Westwood sustained head injuries during the struggle when the hash was removed from inside his mouth, police said.

When read his rights, Westwood allegedly told police: “the hash is for me.”

Early yesterday morning, a search of the suspect’s holiday flat at the Ela Maris hotel in Protaras uncovered 17.5 grammes of hash, bringing the total find to 25 grammes.

Police told the court yesterday that they had received information that suggested that Westwood was in possession of a quantity of cocaine when he arrived at Larnaca airport.

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