In Dnipropetrovsk region, the SSU shut down a drug lab producing psychotropic substances worth UAH 1 mln (USD 36,000) per month.

According to the investigation, two residents of Dnipro set up a lab for making alpha-PVP (psychotropic substance) in a private building in a town in Dnipropetrovsk region. The group purchased necessary precursors through banned Telegram channels.

The lab was put in operation late last year. According to assessments, its capacity was up to 10 kg of illicit substances per week. The black market value of such amount is UAH 4 mln (USD 143,000) per month.

During five searches at the lab and the perpetrators’ homes, the law enforcement seized:

• almost 20 kg of psychotropic substances worth UAH 5 mln (USD 178,000);
• almost 2 tons of secondary raw materials, from which up to 30 kg of psychotropic substances can be produced after re-processing;
• equipment and containers for production and packaging;
• computers and mobile phones with evidence of illegal activity.

Criminal proceedings have been opened under Article 307 (illegal production, manufacture, purchasing, storage, transportation, shipment or sale of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances or their analogues) and Article 311 (illegal production, manufacture, purchasing, storage, transportation or shipment of precursors) of the CCU. The offenders were notified of suspicion.

The investigation is underway to establish all the circumstances of the crime, identify and bring to justice individuals involved.

The SSU Office in Dnipropetrovsk region carried out the operation together with the National Police investigators under the supervision of Dnipropetrovsk Regional Prosecutor’s Office.