The SSU and the SBI have neutralized an organized criminal group specializing in production and sale of methamphetamine in Dnipropetrovsk region.

According to available data, the gang’s monthly ‘profit’ amounted to about UAH 12 mln (USD 299,000).

The group included 8 residents of Dnipropetrovsk region. Drug labs were set up on the territory of an industrial plant and a garage cooperative.

All components, including precursors for drug production, were smuggled through couriers from the EU and the Middle East.

The dealers sold the finished ‘products’ throughout Dnipropetrovsk oblast through Telegram channels.

To launder the proceeds of crime, members of the group bought premium cars and luxury real estate in Ukraine and abroad.

The law enforcement carried out over 10 searches and found:

• about 2 kg of methamphetamine,
• grenades and automatic weapons with ammunition,
• cash, probably obtained from crime;
• luxury cars.

As a result of the operation, 7 members of the drug group were detained and notified of suspicion under the Articles of the CCU:

• 255.1, 255.2 (creation, management of a criminal community or criminal organization and participation in it);
• 307.2, 307.3 (illegal production, manufacture, purchase, storage, transportation, sending or sale of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances or their analogues).

The law enforcement agencies are acting to establish the location of another member of the group involved in its organization.

The SSU carried out the operation jointly with the SBI, with the assistance from the Ministry of Internal Affairs under the procedural supervision of Dnipropetrovsk Region Prosecutor’s Office.