Trafficking in heavy psychotropics: drug syndicate neutralized in Prykarpattia region
Kyiv • UNN
In Prykarpattia region, Ukrainian law enforcement officers neutralized an organized criminal group that manufactured and distributed large batches of amphetamine and other psychotropic substances, seizing 5 kg of drugs, cash, premium cars, and arresting the group's organizer and key members.
Law enforcers in Prykarpattia region neutralized an organized criminal group that produced wholesale batches of heavy psychotropics. The organizer and three main members of the drug syndicate were detained. This was reported by the press service of the SBU, UNN reports .
The criminals set up several laboratories in the region to synthesize a particularly dangerous psychotropic substance, amphetamine. To guard the perimeter of the clandestine workshops, the offenders used quadcopters with video surveillance systems,
Details
It is noted that the defendants could produce up to 20 kg of "goods" per month for further sale through an extensive network of drug dealers. The group members also sold cannabis and the drug Subutex on a "custom-made" basis.
To find potential clients, the criminals used their own connections in criminal circles. The underground business allowed the organizers to receive regular "profits" of more than UAH 10 million per month.
Law enforcement officers found that drug traffickers bought premium cars to launder money. For example, BMW M8, Porsche Boxster and Alfa Romeo with a total value of more than 200 thousand US dollars.
The offenders planned to expand their drug business and criminal influence in western Ukraine. According to the investigation, the leaders of the group were two repeat offenders who had previously served sentences for drug trafficking.
During 35 searches, the detainees were found to have:
- 5 kg of amphetamine and cannabis prepared for sale;
- equipment for the production and packaging of prohibited substances;
- computers and cell phones with evidence of criminal activity;
- bank cards used to make payments for the "goods"
- cash in different currencies totaling UAH 300 thousand in the equivalent; 5 premium cars.
Based on the SBU materials, the detainees were served a notice of suspicion under Part 3 Article 307 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. They are currently in custody. They face up to 12 years in prison.
Recall
Ukrainian law enforcement officers exposed in Ternopil region a criminal organization engaged in the production and distribution of psychotropic substances in Ukraine and the EU.