Two remanded as drugs suspects

TWO Famagusta men were yesterday remanded in custody for two days suspected of possessing cannabis.

Lucas Siderenios, 25, and 27-year-old Elias Elia, both from Frenaros, were arrested for alleged drug possession and use after police stopped their car for a routine breathalyser test.

They were pulled over on Wednesday at 3.30am on the Paralimni to Protaras road. As soon as the car stopped, Siderenios opened the door and flicked out what police told the court was a smoked joint of cannabis.

Police say that as they were searching Elia, Siderenios tried unsuccessfully to get rid of a plastic sachet.

The sachet was recovered and found to contain what was thought to be 3.5 grams of cannabis, police said.

The suspects were taken to the police station where they refused to give a statement.

Police yesterday told the court they suspected the two men were also dealing in drugs because they found £800 on Siderenios.

The suspect could not give an adequate explanation about how he got the money, the court heard.