The Security Service and the National Police have dismantled a transnational channel for smuggling and selling hard drugs in Ukraine. 10 members of the transnational criminal organization who were selling wholesale consignments of cocaine in several regions of our country, as well as one of their accomplices, have been detained.

The investigation established that the crime ring received at least UAH 16 million (USD 385 000) in ‘profits’ from the drug business every month.

To ensure the success of their ‘trade’, the traffickers periodically tested their accomplices, who were responsible for delivering the narcotics to customers, on a ‘polygraph’ – a lie detector. To this end, the syndicate employed a professional polygrapher.

According to the investigation, the group sold cocaine, which they obtained through their foreign accomplices.

The gang’s leaders then sold the ‘imported’ drugs through their network of couriers in Kyiv, Odesa and Dnipropetrovsk regions.

To find customers, they created specialized Telegram channels offering cocaine and anonymously agreeing on its price and ‘delivery’ address.

To cover their tracks, the couriers delivered drugs to customers in rented cars, which they regularly changed and used with fake number plates.

The syndicate was headed by local repeat offenders who had previously served sentences for serious crimes, including drug trafficking.

Using their criminal experience and connections, they created a clear hierarchy and division of duties within the drug ring.

For example, couriers never came into contact with the heads of the criminal organization, communicating only through intermediaries from whom they received the ‘goods’ for sale.

During 58 searches, drugs prepared for sale and unregistered weapons with ammunition were seized. Phones, computer equipment and notes with evidence of drug trafficking were also found.

The detained individuals have been notified of suspicion under the Articles of the CCU:

• 255.1, 255.2 (creation, management of a criminal organization, participation in it);
• 307.3 (illegal production, manufacture, acquisition, storage, transportation, transfer or sale of narcotic drugs).

The decision on additional charges against the suspects for illegal handling of weapons and ammunition is pending.

The suspects are in custody and face up to 12 years in prison with confiscation of property.

The operation was carried out in cooperation with the National Police under the procedural supervision of Dniprovskyi District Prosecutor’s Office in Kyiv.