At Drohobych Correctional Facility No. 40, law enforcement officials have exposed a criminal group operating a methadone distribution network inside the prison. The scheme involved two inmates and a junior officer of the facility, who smuggled the drugs inside postal parcels.
According to the Lviv Department of the National Police Internal Security, in cooperation with the State Bureau of Investigation (DBR), the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), and the prison staff, authorities succeeded in neutralizing the illicit drug distribution system within the penal institution.
🔹 The scheme was organized by a 44-year-old inmate from Zaporizhzhia, who had multiple prior convictions for serious and particularly grave crimes, including murder. With significant influence in the criminal community, he used his position to establish a methadone supply chain within the prison.
🔹 He was assisted by a 41-year-old inmate originally from Kirovohrad region, known for property-related crimes. His role was to manage orders and oversee the secure delivery of methadone to inmates. Investigators report the market value of one gram of methadone was approximately 2,400 UAH.
🔹 A junior officer of the facility was also involved, ensuring the drugs concealed in parcels reached the prison without interference. He was responsible for receiving packages at the mail unit and discreetly delivering them to the secured area.
During an attempt to deliver another drug-filled package, law enforcement officers detained the correctional officer in accordance with legal procedures. Authorities gathered sufficient evidence to formally charge all three individuals under Part 2 of Article 307 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine – illegal acquisition, storage, transportation, and distribution of narcotic drugs by an organized group.
The investigation is ongoing to identify other possible participants in the scheme. The Lviv Regional Prosecutor’s Office is overseeing the legal proceedings.