THREE men have been sentenced to five years in prison on drugs charges.

In its decision, the Limassol District Court said it was tragic that young people are promoting and selling drugs which endanger lives.

The court added that it regretted having to pass down the sentence but that it was its duty and a deterrent to others.

“People such as these waste their lives in prison but their punishment is a result of their actions,” it stated.

Nicos Pitsilides, 23, Andreas Kouros, 27, and Vasillis Lambrou, 21, were arrested last August. Pitsilides and Kouros were stopped as they attempted to take possession of 17 grams of cocaine and 326 grams of cannabis from a cemetery in Moutayiaka village.

The drugs had been left there by Lambrou whose fingerprints were found at the scene.