As a result of a special operation in Zaporizhzhia region, the SSU shut down a transnational channel of smuggling heavy drugs to Ukraine.

The SSU detained the organizer and four active members of the crime ring.

The criminals set up wholesale deliveries of ecstasy from a European country to Ukraine for further sale.

According to current data, the drug traffickers ‘made’ almost UAH 30 mln (USD 797,000) during several months.

To smuggle ecstasy, their foreign accomplices hid the ‘goods’ among household items and sweets sent to Ukraine in parcels via postal services and carriers.

In Ukraine, the narcotics were sold to different regions through an extensive network of couriers.

Apart from that, the criminal group produced ‘industrial’ amounts of methamphetamine. The drug lab was set up in a garage in Zaporizhzhia.

The perpetrators made up to 5 kg of psychotropic substance monthly and put the ‘product’ up for sale through specialized online platforms.

During 14 searches at the sites of ‘manufacturing’, storage and sale of drugs, as well as at the suspects’ homes and cars, the law enforcement seized:

• 200 packaged ziplock bags with methamphetamine;
• 250 ecstasy pills;
• equipment for synthesis;
• over 100 litres of precursors,
• bank cards, draft records with data on drug trafficking and ‘customers’, computers with evidence of communication with ‘suppliers’;
• a large amount of cash – proceeds of crime;
• weapons and ammunition, including 4 pistols with ammunition and 19 F-1 and RGD-5 combat grenades.

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

• 305 (smuggling of narcotic drugs);
• 307 (illegal production, manufacture, acquisition, storage, transportation, shipment or sale of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances or their analogues).

The court chose custody as a measure of restraint for four suspects and house arrest for one more offender. The investigation is ongoing.

The drug traffickers are facing up to 12 years in prison.

The operation was carried out by the SSU Office in Zaporizhzhia region jointly with the National Police under the procedural supervision of the regional Prosecutor’s Office.