Uncovering a Large Supply Channel for Psychotropic Substances in Ukraine
The Kyiv police have uncovered a major supply channel for psychotropic substances disguised as weight loss medications, with a total value exceeding 52 million UAH. The perpetrators organized the import of these drugs from Asia without customs control. Following operational actions, thirteen individuals operating in Kyiv, Kirovohrad, Zaporizhia, and Odesa regions, were arrested for reselling psychotropics through online stores.
In collaboration with the anti-narcotics department and migration police, investigators from the Holosiivskyi police department dismantled this criminal network.
It was established that the group consisted of 13 members, each fulfilling a specific role – from importation to distribution of narcotic substances.
The illegal operation was organized by a resident of the Kyiv region along with his partner, who facilitated the supply of psychotropics disguised as weight loss capsules arriving in Ukraine from Eastern and Central Asian countries without customs oversight. The banned substances were stored in two rented warehouses and subsequently sold through online shops and popular platforms.
All these products were advertised as a «miraculous remedy» for effortless weight loss.
During sanctioned searches, approximately half a million pills containing the psychotropic substance sibutramine, along with counterfeit drugs, were seized. Their market value on the black market exceeds 52.2 million UAH.
Currently, two individuals have already been notified of suspicion under part 2 of article 307 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine – illegal acquisition, storage, and sale of especially dangerous psychotropic substances in large quantities. After all examinations are completed, decisions will be made regarding additional charges against other members of the criminal scheme.
