A significant operation has taken place in Ukraine, resulting in the dismantling of an international drug trafficking network by the Security Service and the National Police. During the operation, 11 members of the transnational criminal organization were arrested for distributing cocaine across various regions of the country. Preliminary reports indicate that the organization was netting at least 16 million UAH monthly from drug sales. To ensure smooth operations, the leaders routinely tested their associates with lie detectors.

According to the investigation, the cocaine was smuggled via international contacts. The group sold drugs through a network of couriers operating in Kyiv, Odesa, and Dnipropetrovsk regions. To find clients, they established specialized Telegram channels to negotiate prices and delivery details anonymously. To cover their tracks, couriers used rented vehicles with fake license plates.

During searches, law enforcement seized drugs, unregistered firearms, and computer equipment that served as evidence of their criminal activities.

The detainees have been charged under the following articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine:

• Parts 1, 2 of Article 255 (creation and participation in a criminal organization);
• Part 3 of Article 307 (illegal production and sale of narcotic substances).

Authorities are also considering additional charges related to illegal weapon possession. The suspects are being held in custody and face up to 12 years in prison with asset confiscation. The operation was conducted in collaboration with the Strategic Investigations Department of the National Police.