Cyprus police conduct island-wide security operations ahead of Easter

Cypriot police have intensified patrols and checks across all districts to prevent the use of firecrackers and the illegal construction of traditional Easter bonfires. In Larnaca, a 64-year-old man was arrested on Wednesday after police found 60 firecrackers in his vehicle. Separate incidents in Larnaca and Limassol resulted in the arrests of two 19-year-olds and a 16-year-old respectively for possession of explosives, knives, or disorderly conduct. In Nicosia, authorities responded to over 40 incidents involving the seizure of wood and other materials intended for bonfires. Additionally, a separate violent incident in Dromolaxia saw a 25-year-old man arrested after a pursuit involving an exchange of warning shots, where officers discovered 93 grams of cannabis, cocaine, a knife, and cartridges. Two officers were injured during the Dromolaxia arrest but have since been discharged from the hospital. The suspect in that case has been remanded in custody for eight days.