The SBU blocked a transnational channel of drug trafficking to Ukraine and EU countries. During a multi-stage operation, SBU officers seized wholesale batches of cocaine worth over UAH 10 m (USD 357,143) at black market prices.

Allegedly, the drug trafficking was organized by international criminal group. The suspects smuggled cocaine from a Latin America to Ukraine and the EU via their extensive network of drug couriers.

During 2020-2021, SBU officers detained the major active members of drug group.

Thus, the law enforcement detained two drug dealers at the Boryspil International Airport on attempt to smuggle almost 1.5 kg of cocaine into Ukraine, which they hid in their personal belongings.

In April, SBU officers detained a drug courier attempting to smuggle more than 1 kg of cocaine in his gastrointestinal tract across the state border of Ukraine.

At the end of the covert operation, law enforcement officers conducted 16 searches of the group members’ residences in the city of Kyiv, as well as in Kyiv and Vinnytsia regions. During searches, SBU employees found narcotic drugs and psychotropics, equipment for manufacturing drug bales, illegally obtained money, draft records and other evidence of illicit activity.

In the course of the investigation, the SBU documented that the leaders of the criminal group were involved in the international drug business.

The criminal proceedings were initiated for smuggling of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and their analogues or precursors. Urgent investigative actions are underway.

The operation was carried out by the SBU Main Directorate for Combating Corruption and Organized Crime under the supervision of the Kyiv Region Prosecutor's Office and the port control group at Boryspil International Airport, as well as the State Customs Service and the State Border Guard Service.