Ukrainian police have dismantled a large-scale drug production network that manufactured and distributed over 60 kilograms of amphetamine across the country each month, authorities announced. The operation led to the arrest of 11 individuals, while 16 additional suspects were formally notified of charges against them.
According to police, the cartel generated a staggering monthly profit of 18 million Ukrainian hryvnia ($431,923) by supplying raw drug materials to 18 clandestine laboratories operating in six different regions.
The network allegedly maintained secrecy by frequently rotating its operations. Amphetamine was packaged daily in rented apartments, which were abandoned and replaced every two weeks. The drugs were then shipped to laboratories via mail, with transactions coordinated through anonymous Telegram channels.
Police believe that a sophisticated money-laundering scheme helped conceal the cartel’s illicit profits, which totalled 200 million Ukrainian hryvnia ($4.8 million). A separate group of financial operatives opened fake bank accounts and mobile wallets using the identities of thousands of people, who were paid for their personal information.
The cartel funneled proceeds into bank accounts before transferring them to cryptocurrency wallets in Cyprus, where the funds were withdrawn, the statement said.
Authorities executed the raid in two stages, conducting over 100 searches across ten regions, including Kyiv. Law enforcement seized more than $80,000 in cash, 60 kilograms of cannabis, 7 kilograms of a-PVP, 3.5 kilograms of amphetamine, 900 MDMA tablets, as well as multiple fraudulent bank accounts and SIM cards.
The suspects face charges of participating in a criminal organization, illegal drug production and distribution, and money laundering. If convicted, they could receive prison sentences of up to 12 years, along with asset forfeiture.
