The Security Service of Ukraine blocked the activity of a transnational organized group specializing in smuggling and sale of large batches of drugs and psychotropic substances in Kyiv city.

Allegedly, group members set up illegal smuggling of cocaine, MDMA (ecstasy) and cannabis from several Latin American and European countries to our country. The “goods” from abroad were sold on the territory of Kyiv city and the region.

Moreover, the criminals smuggled drugs to one of the Middle East countries.

The SBU officers seized a large number of drugs and psychotropic substances during 14 searches at offenders’ places of residence, offices and vehicles.

The cost of seized drugs on the “black market” is over UAH 2,5 million (USD 65,000,000).

Furthermore, the persons involved in organizing clandestine call center in Kyiv, were engaged in misappropriation of money via financial fraud with bank cards of residents of EU and African countries.

The law enforcement officers detained six offenders under Art. 208 of the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine.

Currently, the detainees were served notices of suspicion of committing the crime stipulated under Part 3 Art. 307 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.

After relevant examinations, the issue of bringing to justice all persons involved of committing crimes under Part 3 Art. 28 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine is being decided.

The operation was carried out by officers of the SBU Main Department for Fighting Corruption and Organised Crime jointly with Israel Police under the procedural supervision of Kyiv Local Prosecutor's Office No. 6.