SSU seizes record cocaine shipment since start of full-scale war

The Security Service of Ukraine reported exposing an international drug syndicate that had established supplies of cocaine, ecstasy and other psychotropic substances from southern Europe. The total value of the seized drugs is estimated at approximately 70 million UAH.

According to the SBU, this is the largest single cache of cocaine seized in Ukraine since the start of the full-scale war. The group's monthly income from illegal business could range from 15 to 20 million UAH.

As part of the special operation, law enforcement officers simultaneously detained 10 people in Kyiv, Dnipropetrovsk and Lviv regions. According to the investigation, they were selling wholesale quantities of drugs smuggled from abroad in various regions of Ukraine.

Drugs were kept in caches

The coordinator of the group's activities in Ukraine, according to the case materials, was a resident of Kyiv. He allegedly used specialized internet forums to find people who, for a reward, agreed to transport and sell drugs.

During the first series of searches, law enforcement seized about 2 kg of cocaine and other banned substances. Later, in the suspects' caches, they found over 8 kg more of cocaine and potent drugs.

All ten detainees were notified of suspicion under Part 3 of Article 307 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine – illegal operations with narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances committed by an organized group.

The suspects are being held in custody. If found guilty, they face up to 12 years of imprisonment with confiscation of property.

The investigation also established the possible involvement of three Ukrainian citizens who are in Spain in organizing the drug trafficking channel. Their extradition is now being considered.

The special operation was conducted by SBU personnel under the procedural supervision of the Dnipro District Prosecutor's Office of Kyiv.

Source: Security Service of Ukraine