Ukrainian law enforcement agencies have reported that they have shut down drug supply routes from Spain, the United States and Portugal to Ukraine, and have issued suspicion notices to 39 people.
“As part of the special operation ‘Español’, police uncovered an extensive criminal network. Its members managed the full cycle of drug trafficking — from smuggling supplies to distribution. As a result of the measures carried out, drug supply routes from Spain, the United States and Portugal were dismantled, narcotics worth 90 million hryvnias were seized, and 39 participants in the drug scheme were served with suspicion notices,” the National Police press release said.
Law enforcement officers documented the operation of an extensive criminal network whose members handled the entire supply and distribution chain for drugs: from importing them from abroad to distributing them in Ukraine. The network had a multi-level structure with a clear division of responsibilities among its members.
Cocaine and hashish were brought into Ukraine from Spain and Portugal, while cannabis came from the United States of America. The prohibited substances were concealed in household appliances. To transport them, the group used international coach routes and the services of a postal operator. In Ukraine, the drugs were sold via Telegram channels and an extensive network of dealers covering different regions of the country.
Law enforcement carried out a two-stage special operation to expose and dismantle every link in the drug network.
During the first stage, police focused on blocking distribution to prevent drugs from reaching consumers. The measures took place in 11 regions of Ukraine. Law enforcement halted the operation of smuggling routes used to bring drugs into the country, as well as inter-regional channels for distributing prohibited substances, and detained those involved.
In the second stage, officers identified and detained other suspects who ensured the sale of cocaine and cannabis in Ukraine.
Overall, as part of the special operation, 141 searches were carried out with the force support of tactical operational response special units and special-purpose police, with the involvement of the canine service of the Main Directorate of the National Police in the regions and in Kyiv.
As a result, the drug supply routes from Spain, the United States and Portugal to Ukraine were shut down. More than 67 kg of narcotics were seized, including 3.5 kg of cocaine, as well as cannabis, hashish, kratom, α-PVP, amphetamine, ketamine, MDMA, psilocybin mushrooms and confectionery products containing tetrahydrocannabinol.
In addition, law enforcement seized equipment for cultivating drug-containing plants, technical equipment, vehicles, weapons and ammunition. The amount of cash seized in national and foreign currencies totalled the equivalent of more than three million hryvnias. The overall value of the items seized exceeds 90 million hryvnias.
Law enforcement detained 37 participants under Articles 208 and 615 of the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine.
Suspicion notices were served on 39 suspects, depending on their involvement in the illegal activity, under Parts 1, 2 and 3 of Article 307 and Part 3 of Article 305 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine — for the illegal trafficking of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances or their analogues, and for smuggling.
The most serious charge carries a penalty of up to 12 years’ imprisonment with confiscation of property.
The pre-trial investigation is ongoing. Following the results of expert examinations, a decision will be made on serving suspicion notices on other individuals involved.