Drug officers attacked by pit bull

TWO DRUG enforcement officers were savagely attacked by a pit bull, during a drug operation where 70 grammes of cannabis were seized.

One man was later arrested and remanded for eight days in connection to the incident.

The confrontation occurred at the suspect’s house in Polis Chrysochous, in Paphos. Police, after receiving information acquired a warrant for the 30-year-old’s home and attempted to enter the residence at 6:30pm on Monday.

The man heard them and tried to get away from the back yard just before unleashing his pit bull terrier on the unsuspecting drug enforcement agents.

The dog severely injured one officer, while another suffered superficial wounds. Both the officers’ clothes were torn to shreds. The 30-year-old suspect initially managed to escape but was apprehended at around 1:15am yesterday.

Deputy Chief of the Drug Enforcement Agency (YKAN) Stelios Sergides said: “The arrestee tried to escape from his residence and when police tried to stop him he unleashed his dog on them. One officer was severely injured on his leg and another was bitten on his right hand. The officer that was bitten on his hand received medical attention and has been released while the second in still being treated at Paphos hospital.”

Sergides confirmed that 70 grammes of cannabis were seized at the man’s residence along with two pistols, one equipped with a loaded magazine. Five full cartridges were also found.

Responding to the question as to what was the dog’s fate would be, Sergides said: “The appropriate authorities have been notified as the dog is an illegally breed” indicating that the animal would be put to sleep.

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