The police in Kyiv have dismantled a significant trafficking operation involving psychotropic substances disguised as weight loss medications – seizing goods worth over 52 million UAH. The criminals established a method for smuggling psychotropic drugs, disguised as pharmaceuticals, into Ukraine from Asian countries without customs oversight. Subsequently, thirteen individuals operating in Kyiv, Kirovohrad, Zaporizhia, and Odesa regions repackaged and sold them in large quantities through an online store.
This extensive supply and wholesale distribution network of psychotropics across Ukraine was dismantled by officers from the drug crime unit and migration police, in collaboration with investigators from the Holosiivskyi police department.
During the investigation, it was revealed that the criminal group consisted of 13 members, each with a specific role – ranging from organizing illegal imports to storage and distribution.
The illegal 'business' was organized by a resident of Kyiv region and his partner, who facilitated the import of psychotropic substances disguised as weight loss capsules from Eastern and Central Asia into Ukraine without customs control. The criminals stored the banned substances in two rented warehouses and also arranged wholesale supplies to other group members throughout the country, who later sold them through a created online store and on popular e-commerce platforms.
All of these products were marketed as a 'miracle remedy' with natural ingredients for effortless weight loss and quick results.
During authorized searches, law enforcement seized around half a million pills containing the psychotropic substance – sibutramine, along with products showing signs of forgery. Their estimated value on the black market amounts to over 52.2 million UAH.
Currently, two individuals have already been notified of suspicion under part 2 of Article 307 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine – illegal acquisition, storage, and sale of especially dangerous psychotropic substances in large quantities. After all examinations are completed, the issue of additional qualifications and notifications of suspicion to other participants of the criminal scheme will be resolved.
