The Security Service of Ukraine and the National Police successfully dismantled an international drug trafficking channel operating within the country. As a result of the coordinated operations, 10 members of a transnational criminal group were apprehended for distributing large quantities of cocaine across various regions of Ukraine, along with one of their accomplices. Investigations revealed that the suspects were earning at least 16 million UAH per month from their drug business. To ensure the smooth operation of their ‘business’, the organizers periodically tested their associates using a ‘lie detector’ who were responsible for the delivery of the ‘product’ to clients. A professional polygraph examiner was part of the syndicate.
According to case materials, the suspects sold cocaine that they received through smuggling from their foreign partners. Subsequently, the leaders of the gang distributed the ‘imported’ drugs through their own network of drug couriers in the Kyiv, Odesa, and Dnipropetrovsk regions. To attract clients, they created specialized Telegram channels where they offered cocaine and made anonymous agreements on its price and delivery address. Additionally, to ‘cover their tracks’, the couriers used rented cars that they frequently changed and used fake license plates. It has been established that the group was led by local recidivists who had previously served time for serious crimes, including drug trafficking. Utilizing their criminal experience and connections, they established a clear hierarchy and division of ‘responsibilities’ within the drug syndicate. For example, couriers never ‘intersected’ with the leaders of the criminal organization, contacting only through intermediaries from whom they received the ‘product’ for sale.
During 58 searches, drugs ready for sale and unregistered weapons with ammunition were seized from the suspects. Phones, computer equipment, and handwritten notes containing evidence of drug trafficking were also discovered.
The detained individuals have currently been informed of their suspicion in accordance with the crimes they committed under the following articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine:
- parts 1, 2 of Article 255 (creation and leadership of a criminal organization, as well as participation in it);
- part 3 of Article 307 (illegal production, manufacturing, acquisition, storage, transportation, sending, or sale of narcotic drugs).
Additionally, the issue of further qualification of the suspects’ criminal actions for illegal handling of weapons and ammunition is being considered. The offenders are currently in custody. They face up to 12 years in prison with asset confiscation. The comprehensive measures were carried out in cooperation with the Strategic Investigations Department of the National Police under the procedural guidance of the Dnipro District Prosecutor's Office in Kyiv.
