Law enforcement officers dismantled a criminal group that was selling drugs throughout Ukraine

Law enforcement agencies eliminated a criminal group that was engaged in the illegal production, storage and sale of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances throughout Ukraine. About this informs Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine.

A 39-year-old man from Kyiv with a criminal record led the organized group “Krasnobalivski” operating in Kryvyi Rih, who, despite being on the dock, continued criminal activities related to drug trafficking.

This drug group created a well-developed distribution network that covered all regions of the country. It operated according to a clear hierarchy – from managers to executors. The participants organized the full cycle of cannabis production – from growing hemp in open ground to cultivation in closed laboratories. During the season, they could produce more than 500 kilograms of the finished product. Distribution was carried out through logistics companies and “masterclads”.

In addition to marijuana, the accused were also involved in the sale of psychotropic substances – MDMA, alpha-PVP and cocaine. Up to five thousand doses of cocaine were sold every month, which provided more than 8 million hryvnias of profit. To hide their criminal activities, they administered closed channels in Telegram, where they accepted orders, transmitted the coordinates of “bookmarks” and communicated with buyers. Payment was made to bank cards registered to fictitious persons, and part of the funds were transferred to cryptocurrency.

The monthly income of the group exceeded 20 million hryvnias, which the suspects spent on luxury real estate and cars. During more than 40 searches in Kyiv, as well as in Kyiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Odesa and Cherkasy regions, almost 90 kg of cannabis, equipment, cards, records, cash in the amount of more than UAH 2.4 million, 12 cars and ammunition were seized.

All involved were remanded in custody without bail. Five members of the organized group were notified of suspicion of illegal production, manufacture, acquisition, storage, transportation, forwarding, sale of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances throughout the country (Part 3 of Article 307 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine). The pre-trial investigation is conducted by the National Police of Ukraine under the procedural guidance of the Prosecutor General’s Office.