The SSU has dismantled an international criminal group that sold hard drugs to the European Union. As a result of a special operation in Kyiv and Zaporizhzhia, seven members of the drug syndicate have been detained.

Among them are three organizers of the crime ring. They were hiding in one of the Balkan states and ran the drug business from there.

To apprehend them, the SSU conducted an operation to lure the suspects to Ukraine.

According to the investigation, the gang organized trafficking of wholesale consignments of a synthetic drug methadone, which they received from their ‘suppliers’ in several regions of Ukraine.

The group’s leaders used their network of drug couriers to transport the narcotics to the EU.

To take the substances across the border, they sewed them into the lining of outerwear or hid them in luggage among personal belongings.

The members of the drug syndicate then sold the methadone to their foreign accomplices for further distribution in European countries.

The organizers of the drug trade hoped to make a monthly ‘profit’ of UAH 10-12 million (about USD 250,000).

However, the SSU prevented this, uncovered the network and detained the suspects on an attempt to smuggle over 1 kg of drugs abroad.

The investigation revealed that the gang ‘chiefs’ were three residents of Zaporizhzhia who had left for the EU at the beginning of russia’s full-scale invasion.

Later on, they organized the drug trafficking and recruited accomplices.

During the searches of the suspects’ homes and cars, the SSU seized computer equipment, mobile phones and records with evidence of the crime.

The investigators also found money, probably proceeds of crime, as well as premium cars, which are subject to seizure.

Seven detainees have been notified of suspicion under the Articles of the CCU:

• 28.2, 15.2, 305.3 (attempted smuggling of narcotic drugs on an especially large scale, upon prior conspiracy).

The suspects are in custody without a right to bail. They are facing up to 12 years in prison with confiscation of property.

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