The SSU prevented an attempt of a Latin American drug cartel to set up an international cocaine smuggling channel to Ukraine.

To covertly transport the narcotics across the border, the drug traffickers packed them in special capsules and swallowed them.

At a time, a drug courier could smuggle up to half a kilo of cocaine worth almost UAH 3.5 million in hryvnia equivalent (about USD 91,000) in his stomach.

The trafficking route passed through several European states. The drugs were then brought to Odesa for further sale.

According to available data, the drug network systemically ‘made’ millions.

The investigation established that the trafficking of narcotics had been organized by a woman, a criminal from Sumy region, together with an accomplice, who had moved to South America.

There, the latter established contacts with local traffickers. From them, he bought cocaine and transferred it to the members of the network in Ukraine. A resident of Odesa received the smuggled ‘goods’ and then looked for drug dealers to sell the illicit substances.

To transport the drugs from abroad, the criminals regularly engaged drug couriers who received their ‘percentage’ from each batch. Such ‘carriers’ were searched for among persons who were exempt from conscription and could freely cross the border.

As a result of the operation, the SSU detained a suspect at a customs post on an attempt to smuggle almost half a kilo of cocaine into Ukraine inside himself and in his belongings.

After that, another two members of the network were apprehended - the organizer and her Odesa accomplice, who were preparing to ‘meet’ the courier.

During the searches, the SSU seized mobile phones and other evidence.

SSU investigators notified all three detainees of suspicion under Article 305.2 of the CCU (smuggling of drugs by a group, upon prior conspiracy).

The court chose custody as a measure of restraint.

The investigation is ongoing.

The suspects are facing up to 10 years in prison.

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