The SSU and the National Police have neutralized an organized criminal group that manufactured wholesale batches of heavy psychotropic drugs in Prykarpattia region. The organizer and three members of the drug syndicate have been detained.

They set up several labs to synthesize a dangerous psychotropic substance, amphetamine.

To guard the perimeter of the clandestine workshops, the drug gang used quadcopters for video surveillance.

Each month, the perpetrators produced up to 20 kg of the substance for further sale through an extensive network of dealers.

They also sold cannabis and the drug Subutex ‘to order’.

To find customers, the drug ring used their connections in criminal circles.

The clandestine activity brought regular ‘profits’ of over UAH 10 million (USD 253,000) monthly.

As has been established, the criminals bought premium cars to launder the money, e.g. BMW M8, Porsche Boxster, Alfa Romeo, etc.

The gang planned to expand their drug ‘business’ and criminal influence in western Ukraine.

According to the investigation, the syndicate was headed by two repeat offenders who had previously served sentences for drug trafficking.

They set up facilities to make amphetamine in remote locations and households and engaged accomplices to sell the narcotics.

During 35 searches, the SSU found:

• 5 kg of amphetamine and cannabis prepared for sale;
• equipment for production and packaging;
• computers and mobile phones with evidence of the crime;
• bank cards, to which the suspects received money from ‘clients’;
• cash in different currencies totaling UAH 300,000;
• 5 premium cars.

The detainees have been notified of suspicion under Article 307.3 of the CCU (illegal production, manufacture, purchase, storage, transportation, sending or sale of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances or their analogues as part of an organized criminal group).

The suspects are in custody and face up to 12 years in prison. The investigation is ongoing.

The operation was carried out by the SSU Office in Ivano-Frankivsk region jointly with the National Police under the procedural supervision of the regional Prosecutor’s Office.