National Police Operation: Crackdown on Drug Trade

The National Police carried out a comprehensive operation to dismantle a criminal organization that was laundering millions of hryvnias through the accounts of fictitious individuals linked to drug trafficking. The suspects produced and distributed precursors for methamphetamine on an industrial scale. They distributed the product through postal services and "drops." As a result of their activities, 18 drug labs were uncovered in six regions, producing over 60 kg of methamphetamine monthly, generating profits of 18 million hryvnias.

This was reported by representatives of the National Police.

The law enforcement agency uncovered a criminal organization involved in the distribution of precursors. The leader of the group was responsible for logistics and providing raw materials for methamphetamine production. His accomplices packaged several kilograms of drugs every day in rented apartments, which they changed regularly. They then sent precursors to drug labs through the mail or "drops," using disposable SIM cards.

Additionally, law enforcement established a separate group of individuals who were involved in legalizing the proceeds in Kyiv, recruiting citizens to open bank accounts. They created accounts in mobile apps, where millions from illegal precursor sales were deposited. As a result, the criminals recruited over a thousand fictitious individuals, through whose accounts more than 200 million hryvnias were laundered to cryptocurrency wallets, which were then cashed out in Cyprus.

Over 300 police officers from various regions participated in the operation, working alongside special police units and the State Border Service.

During the operation, over a hundred searches were conducted in ten regions and the capital, resulting in the seizure of luxury cars, over $80,000 in various currencies, 60 kg of cannabis, 7 kg of "a-PVP," 3.5 kg of methamphetamine, 900 tablets of "MDMA," and other evidence of criminal activity.

Investigators collected sufficient evidence to charge sixteen participants of the drug cartel. Depending on their level of involvement, they face charges under the Ukrainian Criminal Code:

• Part 2, Article 255 (Creation of a criminal organization);
• Part 3, Article 307 (Illegal production of narcotic drugs);
• Part 3, Article 311 (Production of precursors);
• Part 3, Article 209 (Legalization of property obtained through crime).

Under the charges, the suspects face up to 12 years in prison, along with asset confiscation.