In city of Kyiv, the SBU blocked activity of an organized group specialized in the preparation and sale of drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors. Allegedly, the offenders’ monthly “profit” was almost UAH 70 m (USD 2.5m).

During 46 searches of the offenders’ residences, their vehicles and three drug laboratories, the law enforcement officers seized:

• more than 100 kg of ready-to-sell amphetamine, MDMA PVP and methadone;
• 5 t of raw materials for the psychotropic drug manufacturing;
• equipment for the drug manufacturing;
• illegally obtained USD 300,000, EUR 30,000 and UAH 20,000.

The total amount of the seized banned substances is more than USD 1.5 m at black market prices.

Allegedly, the group included 14 residents of Kyiv region. The perpetrators set up three drug laboratories in their own residences. According to operative information, the offenders produced more than 150 kg of psychotropic substances every month.

In order to sale finished products, the dealers created three online stores.

The customers used virtual services by prior arrangement via the call center of group members.

Seven facts of sale of large consignments of amphetamine and phenylnitropropene were documented.

The law enforcement officers detained 9 organizers and active members of the group. The investigation is ongoing in order to expose and detain other criminals.

Currently the offenders received notices of suspicion of:

• illegal production, making, purchasing, storage, transportation or sending drugs, psychotropic substances or their analogues by an organized group;
• illegal production, making, purchasing, storage, transportation or sending of precursors.

The issue of serving the offenders notices of suspicion of creation of a criminal organization is being decided.

The operation was conducted jointly with the investigators of the Main Department of the National Police in Kyiv City under supervision of Kyiv City Prosecutor’s Office.