Two Suspects Remanded for One Month Over Illegal Firearms Case

The suspects, H.A. (49) and Y.S. (49), were brought before the Güzelyurt District Court on charges of “Illegal Import and Possession of Firearms and Explosives.”

Police Present Case Details in Court

During the hearing before Judge Nuray Necdet, Prosecutor Fatma Damdelen and defence lawyers were present. Investigating officer Onur Gazinocu outlined the facts of the case.

Gazinocu said police received reliable information on 31 October indicating that the suspects were in possession of a large number of firearms. On the same day, officers stopped H.A. in Kyrenia and found two shotgun cartridges of South Cyprus origin in his vehicle, leading to his arrest.

On 1 November, H.A. was brought before the Kyrenia District Court, which issued a three-day detention order.

Eleven Pistols Found in Vehicle

During the subsequent investigation, police searched a Ford Transit with licence plate MJ19EXK used by H.A. in Bostancı, where officers discovered eleven 9mm pistols, eleven magazines, and nine live rounds.

Following an examination of H.A.’s mobile phone, police identified links to Y.S., who was subsequently arrested. On 2 November, Y.S. was brought before the Nicosia District Court, which issued a two-day detention order.

Eight More Pistols Recovered From a Well

Gazinocu told the court that officers later found eight additional pistol parts dumped in a water well between Bostancı and Akçay, bringing the total number of seized firearms to nineteen.

The suspects were brought before the Güzelyurt District Court on 4 November, and their detention was extended by eight days.

Gazinocu said that during questioning, H.A. admitted to hiding the pistols in the engine compartment of his vehicle. He reportedly told police that while driving between Hisarköy and Yılmazköy, he pulled over and discovered that the plastic components of the firearms had melted from the heat. Police later found burned gun parts at the location described.

Y.S. also allegedly admitted that he and H.A. had collected the pistols from an unidentified individual in Nicosia using his own vehicle. Police reviewed camera footage in the Metehan area based on the suspects’ statements.

Investigation Continues

Gazinocu said numerous witness statements had been taken, and the suspects’ mobile phone images and communication records were under examination. Authorities are also investigating whether the seized firearms are linked to recent shooting incidents that have caused public concern, though no such connection has been found so far.

On 12 November, the suspects were again brought before the Güzelyurt District Court, which extended their detention by another eight days.

The investigation lasted approximately 20 days, during which numerous camera recordings were reviewed. Gazinocu noted that the offences fall under the jurisdiction of the Assize Court.

He added that H.A. holds both Republic of Cyprus and TRNC citizenship and works in vehicle trading, having lived in the UK for 20 years. Y.S., who has separate bail conditions in two other cases, holds both TRNC and Turkish citizenship, and his spouse resides in Germany. Gazinocu said both suspects posed a clear flight risk.

Prosecutor Damdelen also argued that the suspects have significant links abroad and requested their remand. Defence lawyers questioned aspects of the investigation during the hearing.

Judge Nuray Necdet ordered both suspects to remain in prison for up to one month pending trial.