In Kyiv oblast, the SSU dismantled a criminal group which sold wholesale batches of heavy drugs and psychotropics abroad.

The SSU seized over 20 tons of precursors for manufacturing drugs and almost 150 kg of a psychotropic substance - mephedrone - worth over UAH 30 mln (USD 790,000).

During a multi-stage special operation in March this year, the SSU apprehended the organizer of the crime ring, who was trying to smuggle 15 kg of psychotropic substances abroad.

The narcotrafficker detained is a former officer of the National Police’s drug crime unit.

The organizer involved his former colleague, who helped him find smugglers for covert transportation of prohibited substances through the so-called ‘green border’.

At the final stage of the operation in Kyiv region, the SSU detained a third member of the group, who ensured ‘communication’ between the drug traffickers and their accomplices.

According to the investigation, the group received the ‘goods’ for sale from two drug labs in Kyiv and Zhytomyr regions, which produced industrial volumes of mephedrone.

Based on the evidence collected, SSU investigators notified the three detained individuals of suspicion under Article 305.3 of the CCU (smuggling of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, their analogues or precursors or counterfeit medicines).

The suspects are in custody, facing up to 12 years in prison. The investigation is ongoing.

The operation was carried out under the procedural supervision of the Prosecutor General’s Office.