In Odessa, law enforcement officials have arrested a drug courier attempting to transport 15 kg of narcotics to European countries. A citizen from another country was caught in the act of executing a criminal plan, has been charged, and is now in custody. The offender faces up to 12 years in prison along with asset confiscation.

Throughout the year, officers from the National Police, in collaboration with investigators from the Odessa Regional Police, monitored the activities of a criminal group involved in heroin transit through Ukraine to EU nations. Foreign nationals temporarily residing in Odessa played roles as couriers, receiving coordinates for locating drug stashes. The delivered 'goods' were then sent to Europe.

Police apprehended the courier with a suitcase containing 15 kg of heroin. They also seized cash, a vehicle, mobile phones, bank cards, and handwritten notes. The detainee has been charged under part 3 of Article 307 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, and the court has ordered his detention.

Investigations are ongoing to identify all participants in the criminal activities. The Odessa Regional Prosecutor's Office is overseeing the criminal proceedings.

As a reminder, members of the internationally recognized criminal organization 'Ndrangheta received 11 years in prison for smuggling drugs worth 20 million dollars recently.