Cypriot police said on Tuesday they had arrested two men and seized a large cache of weapons, including a G3 military rifle, explosives, and hundreds of rounds of ammunition, from a grave in Oroklini.
The G3 rifle, which may be of Turkish origin, is one of several items recovered that raise questions about the suspects’ intentions, police spokesperson Christos Andreou said.
He noted that the G3 rifle found is similar to those produced in Turkey and used by the Turkish military. However, confirmation will come from forensic examinations currently underway, he added.
Police said they acted on a tip about weapons transportation and apprehended a 46-year-old man who was moving a portion of the arsenal. A 35-year-old accomplice was arrested soon after.
Authorities believe the group may have been planning criminal acts based on the variety and quantity of weapons seized. These include:
- An RPG launcher with two projectiles
- Explosives (TNT, Semtex-H, C4) with a mobile phone-detonated device (nearly ready for use)
- Three pistols (Springfield, Sig Sauer, unknown make)
- A disassembled hunting rifle
- Bullet propellants
- Ammunition (9mm, 7.62mm)
Both suspects are in eight-day police custody after a court appearance. All the recovered items will undergo forensic examination to determine if they have been used in any crimes.
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weapons. weapons cache, G3 rifle, criminal acts