The SBU neutralized an organized criminal group engaged in the manufacture and sale of psychotropic substances. Every month, drug dealers sold amphetamines worth up to UAH 5 m. (USD 185,200).

The offenders sold narcotics batches to the owners of specialized Telegram channels for the further retail sale.

Allegedly, the illegal business was organized by four residents of Kyiv and Zhytomyr regions. To make psychotropic substances, the offenders set up a drug lab in a village on the territory of Yemilchynska amalgamated territorial community. Dealers installed CCTV and motion sensors to have round-the-clock surveillance near the lab.

According to intelligence, the offenders ordered components for production of amphetamine via the Internet, as well as shops selling chemical compounds.

During searches of the drug lab, as well as offenders’ residences and cars, law enforcement officers found:

• almost 15 liters of semi-finished amphetamine and phenylnitropropylene (a precursor needed for the manufacture of psychotropic substances);
• a large amount of chemicals and precursors;
• laboratory equipment for the manufacture and packaging of amphetamine;
• CCTV and means of communication;
• draft records.

Within the criminal proceedings initiated for illegal production, making, purchasing, storage, transportation, sending or sale of narcotics, psychotropic substances or their analogues, investigative actions are underway to prosecute people involved in the illegal activities.

The operation was carried out by the SBU Office in Zhytomyr region jointly with the SBU Department for CI Protection of State Interests in the Information Security Sphere, investigators of the Main National Police Department in Zhytomyr region, and Zhytomyr Region Prosecutor's Office.