In the city of Odesa, the SBU prevented smuggling of cocaine consignment from a South American country to the European Union.

The operatives received information that drug dealers intend to import cocaine on the ship that arrived at Pivdenniy Merchant Sea Port. The drugs were hidden in a container packed with fruits. The offenders planned to ship the drugs to several EU countries.

During the investigation, law enforcement officers exposed 46 kilos of cocaine in briquettes (net weight). The cost of seized drugs is almost USD 12 m on the black market.

Allegedly, the organizers planned to transit cocaine to the EU through Ukraine.

The SBU initiated criminal proceedings for smuggling of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, their analogues or precursors.

The investigation is ongoing to establish all those involved in the scheme. The involvement of representatives of supervisory bodies is being checked.

The operation was conducted jointly with the State Border Service and the State Customs Service under the supervision of Odesa Region Prosecutor's Office.