The SBU officers in Zakarpattya region prevented the smuggling of highly toxic and hazardous mercury to the European Union.

Allegedly, a citizen of one of the European countries planned to illicitly move over the state border of Ukraine 8 kg of mercury.

The law enforcement stopped his vehicle at “Uzhhorod” checkpoint and uncovered the hazardous “goods” during its detailed inspection. The offender hid containers with mercury in packs with flour.

The carrier is detained under the Article 208 of the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine, he is served a notice of suspicion of smuggling within the framework of criminal proceeding initiated by the SBU investigators.

The investigative actions are ongoing, the cost of the seized mercury, the sources of its origin, the sellers and customers are being established.

The operation was conducted jointly with the Customs and Border Guard Services under the supervision of the Prosecutor's Office of Zakarpattya region.