200 kg of Methadone, 20 Tons of Precursors, and Millions in Profits: Drug Traffickers Uncovered in Ternopil Region

In a significant operation conducted by law enforcement agencies in the Kremenets district of the Ternopil region, an organized group engaged in the production and sale of drugs within Ukraine has been uncovered. During a series of 54 searches carried out across seven regions of the country, authorities seized approximately 200 kilograms of methadone, 127 kilograms of opium extract, which is equivalent to over 2 million doses, and nearly 20 tons of precursors used in the manufacturing of narcotic substances.

According to information from the Office of the Prosecutor General, law enforcement also confiscated around 20 kilograms of cannabis and 25 kilograms of poppy straw. The total estimated value of the seized drugs on the black market is around 700 million hryvnias, indicating the extensive operations of the criminal group and their influence on the Ukrainian drug market.

Additionally, the criminals were found to possess over $60,000, €10,000, and 260,000 hryvnias in cash. Authorities also seized 32 gold coins, 17 silver coins, five vehicles, firearms, ammunition, including magazines for Kalashnikov rifles, as well as equipment and handwritten notes that could serve as evidence in the case.

The drug laboratory, where the narcotics were produced, was set up on the premises of a former agricultural enterprise, covering an area of 300 square meters. This location became a hub for the manufacturing and distribution of narcotic substances, underscoring the seriousness and organization of the criminal activities.

Police investigators have already reported suspicions against 12 individuals involved in the case under parts 2 and 3 of Article 307 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, which pertains to the illegal production, storage, or sale of narcotic substances, psychotropic substances, or their analogs. Another individual has been suspected under part 1 of Article 317, which stipulates responsibility for organizing or maintaining places for the illegal use, production, or manufacturing of narcotic substances.

According to reports, 10 suspects have already been detained by law enforcement. They face potential penalties of up to 12 years in prison. Investigators are preparing motions to the court regarding the selection of precautionary measures for the suspects, indicating the seriousness of law enforcement's intentions to put an end to the activities of this criminal group.

This case serves as further confirmation of the efforts of Ukrainian law enforcement agencies in combating drug-related crime, which remains one of the country's most significant issues. The exposure of such organized groups is a crucial step in ensuring public safety and reducing the availability of drugs in the market.