SSU detains crime bosses who smuggled UAH 100 mln worth of narcotic products into Ukraine
As a result of a multi-stage special operation, the SSU dismantled an organized criminal group that smuggled foreign precursors for manufacturing heavy psychotropic drugs.
4 key organizers of the crime ring were detained in Kyiv region.
The investigation documented them smuggle 2 tons of precursors for production of particularly dangerous psychotropic substances, including PVP and mephedrone, from East Asia to Ukraine.
The black-market value of such a batch is almost UAH 100 mln (USD 2.6 mln).
The drug traffickers transported precursors to Ukraine via international postal services, disguising the ‘cargoes’ as foreign construction mixtures.
The imported ‘goods’ were sold to ‘wholesale’ buyers, who controlled drug labs manufacturing psychotropic substances across Ukraine.
Further, the criminals sold the substances through an extensive network of dealers and divided the ‘profits’ among themselves.
According to the investigation, the smuggled precursors were stored in several garages in Kyiv region.
To conceal the unlawful activity, the storage sites were rented by front persons.
The gang used freight carriers to transport the ‘goods’ within the region and to other oblasts – unwittingly they carried precursors and drugs to other locations.
During the searches of drug storage facilities in Kyiv region, the SSU found wholesale batches of precursors and packaging equipment.
Based on the evidence collected, SSU investigators have notified four apprehended individuals of suspicion under Article 305.3 of the CCU (smuggling of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, their analogues or precursors). One of the detainees is a customs broker who helped the gang falsify customs documentation.
The suspects are in custody. One more person involved, hiding from justice abroad, will be put on the international wanted list.
The investigation is ongoing. The members of the criminal group are facing up to 12 years in prison.
The SSU carried out the operation under the procedural supervision of the Prosecutor General’s Office.
