Prosecutors of the Lviv Regional Prosecutor’s Office sent to court an indictment against three members of an organised group. They are charged with illegal production and storage with intent to sell narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors on a particularly large scale, purchase and storage of equipment intended for their manufacture, as well as organisation or maintenance of places for illegal use, production or manufacture of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances (Article 307(3), Article 311(3), Article 313(3), Article 28(3), Article 317(1) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine). Two of them are also charged with illegal possession of firearms and ammunition (Part 1 of Article 263 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).
The investigation established that the Lviv resident organised a laboratory for the production of drugs and psychotropic substances in a country house in one of the districts of Lviv region. He involved two other acquaintances in the “business”.
They specialised in the production of methadone, as well as psychotropic substances such as PVP, 4-MMC (4-methylmethcathinone) and isomephedrone.
They systematically bought precursors and other ingredients, the necessary equipment and other auxiliary means.
During the searches at the place of illegal activity, special equipment was found and seized, as well as almost 35 kg of psychotropic substances – PVP, 4-MMC (4-methylmethcathinone) and isomephedrone and more than 1 kg of methadone. In addition, precursors were found in the amount of almost 39 litres of acetone and 28 litres of hydrochloric acid.
Also, during searches at the accused’s place of residence, the SBU found 2 assault rifles and 157 rounds of ammunition, which they were illegally storing.
Their estimated value at black market prices is almost UAH 90 million.
The defendants are currently in custody.
The pre-trial investigation was carried out by investigators of the Investigation Department of the Main Department of the National Police of the region, with the operational support of the Cybercrime Department in Lviv region.
Note: In accordance with Article 62 of the Constitution of Ukraine, a person is presumed innocent of committing a crime and shall not be subjected to criminal punishment until his or her guilt is proved by law and established by a court verdict of guilty.
Information Policy Department of the Lviv Regional Prosecutor’s Office