“CBD” as a cover: police dismantled an interregional drug network with a turnover of over UAH 10 million per month
19 January 16:13
The National Police announced the exposure of a large-scale scheme for the production and sale of drugs disguised as legal CBD products. The operation was coordinated by Volyn law enforcement officers with the participation of central and regional units. As a result, three people were detained, and several others were notified of their suspicion of participating in an organized criminal group. This was reported by the press service of the agency.
What is the essence of the scheme
The investigation established that the organizer, a 44-year-old resident of the Volyn region, had set up an underground production of products containing cannabis extract and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), disguising them as dietary supplements with cannabidiol (CBD).
The drug lab operated directly in a private home where he lived with his family. His accomplices were responsible for expanding the product range, packaging, logistics, and finding new sales channels in the regions.
According to the investigation, the suspects imported the raw materials for “CBD” from one of the EU countries using logistics companies.
Scale of the operation
On January 14, law enforcement officers conducted more than 100 searches simultaneously in 21 regions of Ukraine. As a result, they seized:
- over 1,000 liters of concentrated CBD oil containing cannabis
- tens of thousands of bottles, sticks, capsules, and candies containing THC
- over 10,000 jelly bears containing psychotropic substances
- 70 kg of psilocybin mushrooms
- laboratory equipment, cars, cash, bank cards, and documentation.
The estimated value of the seized products on the black market is over UAH 430 million.
How the distribution network operated
The finished products were sold through an extensive network:
17 stores in the Volyn region and another 75 retail outlets throughout Ukraine, as well as online. According to investigators, the scheme brought in over UAH 10 million in monthly profits.
Who was detained
Three participants were detained under Article 208 of the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine. They were charged under Part 3 of Article 307 of the Criminal Code — illegal production and sale of drugs as part of an organized group. The article provides for 9 to 12 years of imprisonment with confiscation of property.
