Transcarpathian police block international methamphetamine smuggling channel worth over UAH 9 million
Law enforcement officers in Zakarpattia region have dismantled an international channel for the wholesale supply of methamphetamine to Ukraine and detained two organisers of the scheme. This was reported by the National Police of Ukraine.
According to the investigation, a 37-year-old resident of Mukachevo and a 42-year-old resident of the village of Velyki Luchky, Mukachevo district, an entrepreneur in the field of trucking, were involved in the criminal activity. They organised the smuggling of methamphetamine in transit through the European Union with subsequent sale in bulk in the region and beyond. Storage and packaging took place in a rented apartment in Mukachevo.
The detention took place on 20 December at the Uzhhorod Vysne Nemecke checkpoint during a joint special operation by police, border guards and customs officers. The suspects were trying to smuggle another batch of psychotropic drugs across the border. During the inspection of the car Audi Q3 with the involvement of a sniffer dog, the prohibited substances were found. Additionally, an authorised search was conducted at the place of storage.
A total of 3.77 kilograms of methamphetamine was seized. The estimated value of the consignment at black market prices exceeds UAH 9 million. The suspects are charged with smuggling and selling psychotropic substances on a particularly large scale. The court imposed a custody without bail as a measure of restraint. The pre-trial investigation is ongoing. The maximum sanction of the articles provides for up to 12 years in prison with confiscation of property.
