The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), in cooperation with Polish law enforcement agencies, has carried out a large-scale special operation, resulting in the dismantling of a transnational channel for smuggling precursors for the manufacture of psychotropic substances. This was reported by the press service of the Security Service of Ukraine.
Ten members of an international drug gang who supplied wholesale shipments of pseudoephedrine to Ukraine were detained. According to the investigation, the criminals’ monthly profits exceeded $100,000.
To smuggle the drugs, the suspects hid the precursors in containers of baby food and animal feed, then transported them via regular buses and postal services. One such ‘parcel’ could contain up to 50,000 pills of illegal drugs.
Some of the precursors were sold through a dealer network, while others were used in a drug laboratory in the Dnipropetrovsk region to manufacture amphetamine.
During simultaneous arrests in Ukraine and Poland, the organisers of the criminal scheme, two brothers from Zaporizhzhia, were exposed. One of them was responsible for smuggling from abroad, the other for distributing the drugs in Ukraine. Six suspects were detained in EU countries, and four more in Zaporizhzhia and Kryvyi Rih.
During the searches, precursors, ready-made psychotropic substances and equipment for the manufacture of drugs were found. Those detained in Ukraine have been charged under four articles of the Criminal Code. They face up to 12 years in prison with confiscation of property.
The issue of additional charges for creating a criminal organisation is currently being decided. Those detained in the EU will be held accountable in accordance with the laws of their respective countries.