The SBU blocked smuggling of drugs from one of the Latin American countries to the European Union. During the operation, the SBU detained three co-organizers of the illegal drug business and seized almost 60 kg of cocaine worth USD 10 m.

According to Interpol, the detainees are the participants of one of the world's most powerful criminal organization Ndrangheta.

The smugglers hid the drugs in a cargo container with fruit from one of the South American countries. During a customs inspection of the cargo at the Pivdennyi seaport, the SBU officers seized hidden packs with cocaine.

To document the illegal activities of the drug gang members, the SBU officers carried out the control over the commission of a crime, i.e. conducted the operation of controlled delivery. As a result, the SBU detained one of the leaders of the drug trafficking network.

At the same time on the territory of one of the industrial markets of Odesa region, the SBU officers detained another two members of the drug gang. The offenders planned to receive the smuggled cargo for its further transfer to the European Union.

The investigation into smuggling of narcotics, psychotropic substances, their analogues or precursors is ongoing to prosecute those involved in the illegal activity.

The operations were carried out by the SBU Office in Odesa region jointly with the State Border Guard Service, the State Customs Service and the Department of Strategic Investigations of the National Police in Odesa Region under the supervision of the Odesa Region Prosecutor's Office.