Mephedrone suspects remanded in custody

Two Cypriot men, aged 34 and 50, were remanded in custody for eight days on Wednesday in connection with trafficking 112 kilograms of mephedrone, a synthetic stimulant closely related to amphetamines, which was imported from India and was going to be re-exported to Britain.

The drugs arrived at Larnaca airport from Mumbai via Dubai over the weekend. The drug squad was tipped off about the arrival on Monday.

The mephadrone, declared illegal in Cyprus in 2010, was found in four plastic barrels. They had been shipped to a company based in Potamia with the 50-year-old suspect listed as the recipient.

The 34-year-old, from Livadhia, Larnaca, was arrested when he showed up at the airport to clear the shipment through customs. Upon him, he had €1,000 cash and the necessary documents to ship the cargo to the UK.

Police told the court that the suspects are considered members of an international drugs trafficking ring.

The court heard that authorities will ask Interpol and Europol to assist in the investigation.

According to DrugScope, mephedrone produces a similar experience to amphetamines, ecstasy or cocaine.

It is a white, off-white or yellowish powder that is usually snorted, but can also be swallowed. It can also appear in pill or capsule form.

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