In Zakarpattia, a gang was exposed: they trafficked drugs and smuggled draft dodgers to Romania

In Zakarpattia, a gang was exposed: they trafficked drugs and smuggled draft dodgers to Romania

In Zakarpattia, law enforcement officers exposed a criminal group engaged in drug trafficking and the illegal smuggling of draft evaders to Romania. During the operation, 43 authorized searches were conducted, and 12 individuals were detained in Mukachevo.

Almost a kilogram of narcotic substances, including amphetamine and dried cannabis, was seized. The results of the special operation were reported by the press service of the Zakarpattia Regional Prosecutor’s Office.

According to the investigation, the group’s activities were coordinated by a 34-year-old resident of Mukachevo, who had previously been repeatedly held accountable for drug trafficking. He distributed roles among the participants and organized the internal operations of the criminal group.

"The perpetrators independently manufactured psychotropic substances. Two accomplices established a network for retail distribution. Each of them, among other things, sought new sales channels, supplied psychotropics to dealers for sale, and also collected ’revenue’ from direct sellers. The latter were responsible for packaging and trading," the statement reads.

For several months, law enforcement officers documented instances of narcotic substance distribution among local residents, including drug addicts. After the detention, express tests confirmed that several group members were also drug-dependent.

Smuggling draft evaders abroad

In addition, members of the criminal group established a scheme for the illegal smuggling of military conscripts across the state border. Men were transported to the Tyachiv district, where they crossed the Tysa River to reach Romania. The cost of the "transfer" started at 5,000 USD per person.

Law enforcement conducted searches

Detentions and searches were carried out in Mukachevo and the village of Verhniy Koropets, where the organizer and other group members resided. Over half a kilogram of methamphetamine was found in the organizer’s yard, hidden for the purpose of secrecy.

In total, as a result of the special operation, nearly 1 kg of narcotic substances, including methamphetamine and cannabis, weapons, special equipment, vehicles, over 20 mobile phones, and tools used in criminal activities were seized. Cash amounting to approximately 60,000 in foreign currency and 650,000 UAH was also confiscated.

What punishment awaits the suspects

Three group members have already been taken into custody without the possibility of bail, following a decision by the investigating judge of the Uzhhorod City-District Court upon the prosecutors’ request.

Another suspect, accused of organizing the illegal smuggling of military conscripts, was placed in custody with the alternative of posting bail in the amount of over 1.2 million UAH.

"Court hearings have been scheduled to consider preventive measures for other members of the organized criminal group. The prosecutor’s office will request their detention without the possibility of bail," the statement reads.

Depending on the crimes committed and the role of each individual, the suspects are charged with illegal production, storage, transportation, and sale of psychotropic substances committed repeatedly as part of an organized group, as well as organizing the illegal smuggling of persons across the state border of Ukraine (Part 3 of Article 307 and Part 3 of Article 332 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).