Drugs in Vapes and Candies: Ukrainian Authorities Uncover Group Selling Over 10 Million UAH Monthly

Ukrainian law enforcement agencies have successfully carried out a significant operation that resulted in the exposure of an organized group engaged in the supply of narcotic substances from the European Union. These illicit drugs were marketed in Ukraine as vapes and candies infused with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). During the searches conducted as part of this investigation, authorities seized products valued at over 17 million UAH.

According to information provided by the Office of the Prosecutor General, the mastermind behind this criminal scheme was a 35-year-old resident of Kyiv, who recruited four accomplices to assist in his operations. The group had been active at least since mid-2025 and operated with a clear structure, complete with defined roles and an internal hierarchy.

Law enforcement officials reported that the narcotic substances obtained were used to fill pod systems, which are ready-to-use vapes. Orders for the products were accepted through a Telegram channel, and deliveries were made across Ukraine via postal shipments or through a network of distributors. The price of a single vape ranged from 1,800 to 4,000 UAH, with the group’s monthly profits exceeding 10 million UAH.

As part of the investigation, law enforcement conducted over 30 searches in various regions of Ukraine. These operations resulted in the seizure of equipment, bank cards, handwritten notes, and machinery used for printing shipping documents. Additionally, more than 200 starter packs from mobile operators were discovered, which were likely used to facilitate illegal activities.

Among the seized items were over 700 vapes containing narcotic substances, 4 kilograms of cannabis extract, 3.5 kilograms of THC-infused candies, ammunition, four vehicles, and excise stamps. The total value of the confiscated goods, based on black market prices, is approximately 17.4 million UAH.

The organizer of the criminal group has been detained in accordance with Article 208 of the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine and has been charged under Part 3 of Article 27 and Part 3 of Article 307 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. Four other members of this group are also facing charges under Part 3 of Article 307 of the Criminal Code.

Currently, law enforcement agencies are determining the appropriate preventive measures for the detained individuals while continuing their investigation to identify any potential additional participants and organizers of this criminal scheme.