The Security Service of Ukraine in Kyiv region blocked an organized drug group specializing on producing and selling of wholesale batches of psychotropic substances and precursors.

Allegedly, the group was organized by a former chemistry professor at one of Kyiv universities. The suspects set up manufacturing of psychotropic substances – amphetamine and cathinone as well as a precursor – phenyl nitropropene. Two labs were arranged at the place of residence of the leader in Kyiv and in a garage of a rented house in Kyiv region.

The chemicals were delivered from Asian and Western European countries, even by international postal services. The raw materials were stored on the territory of a rented warehouse in Kyiv.

The SBU officers established that the group leader shared the acquired experience in psychotropes producing with other “experts” in criminal circles for some sums of money.

During the searches at the drug labs, warehouses and online store, the law enforcement seized over 1 kg of amphetamine, 5 kg of cathinone, 9 kg of phenyl nitropropene which is a major component for amphetamine producing, over 80 liters of other precursors as well as almost 2 kg of cannabis and equipment for psychotropes production.

According to preliminary estimates, the suspects planned to produce almost 30 kg of psychotropic substances worth almost UAH 7,500,000 (USD 280,000) at black market.

The issue of serving the suspects notices of suspicion of the crimes under Articles 307, 311 and 313 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.

The operation was conducted jointly with the SBU Main Directorate for Combating Corruption and Organized Crime under the supervision of the Prosecutor’s Office of Kyiv No.6 with assistance of the Prosecutor General’s Office of Ukraine.