In Odessa, law enforcement authorities apprehended an international drug courier who was planning to transport 15 kg of heroin to European countries. The suspect was caught in the act of committing his crime, charged, and taken into custody. He faces up to 12 years in prison with asset forfeiture.

For the past year, operatives from the National Police's Strategic Investigations Department in Odessa, along with investigators from the Main Department of the National Police and border service officers, documented the activities of a criminal group involved in heroin trafficking through Ukraine. This network included foreign nationals, some of whom temporarily resided in Odessa, serving as couriers. They received coordinates to locate drug stash points, subsequently delivering the drugs to EU countries.

During the arrest of the courier with a suitcase full of heroin, authorities seized a total of 15 kg of narcotics, as well as cash, a vehicle, mobile phones, bank cards, and notes. The detainee has been charged under Part 3 of Article 307 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, and the court has ordered his detention.

Investigative actions are ongoing to identify all participants in the criminal activities. The Odessa Regional Prosecutor's Office is overseeing the prosecution of this case.

It is worth noting that members of the notorious criminal organization 'Ndrangheta received 11 years in prison for drug smuggling valued at $20 million.