Ukrainian Security Service dismantles over 60 drug gangs trafficking to EU since war's start

"The Security Service systematically combats transborder crime involved in smuggling narcotics and psychotropic substances, posing a threat to Ukraine's state security," the service stated.

According to the Security Service's data since the full-scale invasion by the Russian Federation, they have neutralized over 60 organized groups, some of which were engaged in smuggling heavy narcotics into the European Union through Ukraine.

Overall, wholesale batches of merchandise worth nearly 2 billion in hryvnia equivalent have been seized from the criminals.

The organization Khimprom

The SSU conducted a series of significant special operations concerning members of the Russian criminal organization Khimprom.

Under the coordination of Russian special services, this narcotics syndicate has been attempting to expand its operations in Ukraine since 2014.

The extensive network of Khimprom participants worldwide counts nearly 1,000 individuals who provide illegal profits to the drug cartel, exceeding $2 million monthly.

The SSU reported that in August 2023, they neutralized a branch of Khimprom in the Kyiv and Sumy regions. Among those detained were two former officers of the National Police anti-drug unit who were affiliated with the Russian narcotics syndicate.

During the raids, law enforcement confiscated 23 tons of precursors (substances for drug production) and almost 150 kilograms of finished psychotropic substances.

Overall, as a result of multi-stage operations conducted by the Security Service during this time:

• 89 drug dealers were detained and informed of suspicion;
• 34 organizers and active participants of drug groups received actual prison terms.

Additionally, in August, the police shut down an international drug smuggling channel organized by two residents of Brovary, Kyiv region.