The SBU and the National Police have exposed an international organization that was involved in the smuggling and sale of cocaine in various regions of Ukraine. According to the SBU press service, on Monday, August 18, law enforcement officers detained 11 members of the criminal group.
According to the investigation, cocaine was smuggled into Ukraine from abroad and further distributed through a network of drug couriers in the Kyiv, Odessa, and Dnipropetrovsk regions. The criminals sought buyers through Telegram channels to maintain secrecy.
To avoid detection, the couriers used rented cars, regularly changed vehicles, and forged license plates. The organizers of the drug channel even tested the couriers on a lie detector with the help of a professional polygraph examiner. The investigation established that the criminal organization was run by recidivists with experience in drug trafficking.
"Using criminal experience and connections, they created a clear hierarchy and division of responsibilities. Couriers never contacted leaders directly, but received goods through intermediaries," the SBU reported.
Law enforcement officers conducted 58 searches, during which they seized drugs, weapons with ammunition, computer equipment and documents confirming criminal activity. The members of the organization were informed of suspicion of creating and participating in a criminal organization and selling drugs. The suspects face up to 12 years in prison. Additionally, it is planned to inform of suspicion of illegal handling of weapons and ammunition.
As a reminder, on August 15, 21-year-old Ukrainian Kateryna Vakarova was detained at the Bali airport, with 2 kg of drugs found in her suitcase. The woman could face the death penalty for drug trafficking.
