Ukrainian authorities thwart large-scale drug smuggling at EU border PHOTO

Ukrainian Security Service (SBU), in cooperation with border guards, has exposed a large-scale smuggling operation involving the illegal import of more than 600 kilograms of narcotic substances into the country.

The psychotropic substance kratom was seized from a scheduled minibus traveling from Europe through the Shehyni border crossing. According to the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, the drugs were deliberately concealed beneath passengers’ luggage and personal belongings in an effort to avoid detection by customs officials.

Authorities estimate the value of the confiscated contraband at approximately 4 million hryvnias ($108,000). Investigators have identified two young residents of the Kalush district in Ukraine’s Ivano-Frankivsk region as the alleged organizers of the operation.

Both suspects have been detained and formally charged with drug smuggling and illicit drug distribution.

By Vafa Guliyeva