The Security Service and the National Police have prevented large-scale smuggling of heavy drugs and psychotropics to the countries of the European Union and the Middle East.

As a result of a special operation conducted jointly with the Department for Combating Drug Crimes in the Kyiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Odessa, Cherkasy, and Sumy regions, a criminal organization engaged in the production and sale of industrial quantities of amphetamine, α-PVP, mephedrone, and cannabis has been neutralized.

During simultaneous operational measures, 5 drug laboratories were eliminated, and 19 members of the group were detained.

In addition to prohibited substances, the criminals were found in possession of an AK-47 rifle, a sniper rifle with a silencer, F-1 and RGO combat grenades, as well as over 1,500 rounds of ammunition for firearms.

According to the investigation, the participants were producing over 80 kg of drugs and psychotropics monthly, valued at more than 40 million UAH.

The group sold the finished 'product' through two channels: one oriented towards customers from different regions of Ukraine, and the other operating for foreign drug dealers.

To discreetly ship the 'product' abroad, the criminals concealed it in international parcels under the guise of cosmetics or plumbing products.

During the hot pursuit, 3 organizers of the gang were apprehended, attempting to send a batch of α-PVP to foreign accomplices.

Thanks to the SSU's special operation, drug laboratories were eliminated, and the creation of an international smuggling channel for prohibited substances was prevented.

Sixteen members of the criminal organization are in custody. Precautionary measures in the form of detention with the right to post bail have been applied to three more.

Comprehensive measures are underway to hold all individuals involved in the drug business accountable.