The SBU prevented the smuggling of 2.8 kg of cocaine valued at circa UAH 11.5 million (USD 410,715) at black market prices. The foreigner smuggled illegal drugs to Ukraine from one of the Latin American countries.

SBU officers established that the smuggler planned to sell cocaine to local drug dealers. He arrived in Ukraine under the guise of a tourist and allegedly to receive dental services. To confirm the purpose of the visit, the drug dealer made an appointment at a Kyiv dental clinic.

Law enforcement officers found drugs in his personal belongings during the customs inspection at Boryspil International Airport.

The rapid test showed that the substance was a highly dangerous illegal drug, in particular, cocaine. According to black market prices, the cost of the seized narcotics amounted to over UAH 11.5 m (USD 410,715).

Currently, the drug courier is detained under Art. 208 of the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine.

The criminal proceedings were initiated for smuggling of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, their analogues or precursors or falsified medicines. The issue of serving the detainee a suspicion notice is being decided.

The operation was carried out by the SBU investigators together with the port control group at Boryspil International Airport, as well as with the assistance of the Ukrainian State Customs Service and the State Border Guard Service under the supervision of the Kyiv Region Prosecutor's Office.