In Odesa, the SBU blocked smuggling of unlicensed psychotropic drugs from Russia to our country. Searches discovered banned drugs worth more than UAH 1 million (USD 36,018).

The SBU officers documented several facts of sale of counterfeit medicines in Kyiv, Odesa and Mariupol. The offenders sold dubious products under the guise of high-quality original drugs without permits and quality certificates.

According to findings, the group included two Ukrainians and a Russian citizen. They organized illegal trafficking of unregistered drugs, psychotropic and other counterfeit medicines from Russia through pharmacy chains. The detected drugs were without state registration and banned in Ukraine. The offenders smuggled drugs by rail and truck.

During searches of offenders’ residences and storage facilities, law enforcement officers seized banned medicines worth over UAH 1 million (USD 36,018).

According to experts, the seized goods posed a danger to public health and contained psychotropic substances, the free circulation of which is limited in Ukraine.

The investigation into circulation of falsified medicines is ongoing. All involved individuals are being identified for further prosecution.

Two members of the group received notices of suspicion.

The operation was conducted by the SBU Office in Odesa region jointly with the SBU Main Directorate for Combating Corruption and Organized Crime, investigators of the National Police Main Department in Odesa region under the supervision of the Odesa region Prosecutor's Office.