A trial is underway in Odessa against a citizen of the Republic of Moldova, Oleksandr Gladishev, who is accused of illegal trafficking of cocaine in particularly large quantities. According to the investigation, the businessman tried to organize the sale of drugs worth about $40,000.
According to the investigation, Gladishev is a native of Orenburg, Russia, and a citizen of Moldova. He previously held the position of director of the company "Ukrgruz Consulting", but confirmation of the activities of such an enterprise in open registers could not be found. He is charged with crimes under Part 1 and Part 3 of Article 307, as well as Part 3 of Article 309 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine - illegal acquisition, storage and sale of narcotic drugs.
According to law enforcement, in December 2023, the suspect purchased cocaine, which he stored at his residence in Odessa, and then offered an acquaintance to find a buyer for a batch of drugs weighing about 750 grams. The cost of such a quantity, according to investigators, was approximately $40,000.
On December 9, the suspect gave a small amount of the substance to a middleman to demonstrate to a potential buyer. However, the middleman cooperated with law enforcement and voluntarily handed over the drug to the police. A rapid test confirmed that the seized substance was cocaine.
On the same day, law enforcement officers documented the transfer of a package containing glass jars of various sizes filled with a white powdery substance. During a search of the Hyundai car used by the defendant, drugs were seized, and rapid analysis results also confirmed the presence of cocaine.
Oleksandr Gladishev was detained on December 9, 2023, and the next day he was informed of the suspicion. The investigation insisted on keeping him in custody, citing the risks of flight, destruction of evidence, and possible influence on witnesses. The court took into account that the accused is a foreigner, has no permanent residence or official work in Ukraine, and also denies his guilt.
The sanction of the most serious incriminated article provides for 9 to 12 years of imprisonment with confiscation of property. Despite repeated requests by the defense to change the preventive measure, the court left the suspect in custody. He is currently in the Odessa pre-trial detention center until at least April 10.
