Suspect charged with military zone violations and drug possession

A suspect, identified as M. A. U., appeared before the Nicosia District Court facing charges of violating a first-degree military restricted zone, unauthorized departure from the TRNC, and drug possession.

According to police testimony, the incident began on August 19, 2026, when officers from the Lefkoşa Crime Prevention Branch observed the suspect driving an Isuzu D-Max without license plates into a restricted area near Dilekkaya. The suspect was traveling with several passengers, including a spouse and three children, having entered from South Cyprus.

During a police operation in the Balıkesir area, the suspect attempted to flee by striking two police vehicles. Officers discharged 15 shots at the vehicle's tires to stop the pursuit. After abandoning the vehicle, the suspect reportedly entered a military restricted zone a second time near Akıncılar before crossing back into South Cyprus without authorization.

Following his arrest on September 19, 2026, a court-ordered search of the suspect's residence in Kalecik led to the discovery of drug paraphernalia and approximately 5 grams of a substance believed to be methamphetamine.