The SBU blocked activity of a group involved in smuggling of banned drastic substances and counterfeit medicine. The value of the seized batch of steroids is UAH 1.5 m. (USD 53,000) at black market prices.

Allegedly, the organizers of the group set up a channel for trafficking of methandienone and nandrolone to the European Union and Russia. They received goods for sale from their partners in some Asian countries. The perpetrators made some drugs at the residence of a group member and sold them in different regions of Ukraine.

To find customers, smugglers created several Internet sites where they offered their products. The offenders transported the “parcels” with the goods via postal services and couriers. Clients transferred money to the offenders’ bank cards.

During the searches of the perpetrators’ residences and warehouses, the law enforcement exposed a batch of steroids, computer and communications equipment and bank cards with evidence of illegal activity.

The investigation is ongoing upon the fact of smuggling and illegal production, making, purchasing, transportation, sending, storage for sale purposes, or sale of drastic substances.

The operation was conducted by the SBU Main Directorate for Combating Corruption and Organized Crime jointly with investigators of the SBU Main Office in Kyiv and Kyiv Region and the Cyber Police Department of the National Police.