Online Trading of Psychotropic Substances Exposed in Kharkiv Region
A group of individuals engaged in online trading of psychotropic substances through a Telegram bot has been exposed in the Kharkiv region. This was reported by the Kharkiv regional prosecutor’s office.
Organized Criminal Activity
According to the prosecutor’s office, a 40-year-old resident of Balakliya organized and managed this unlawful activity. He had previous criminal cases for illegal drug trafficking and created an online store selling psychotropic substances PVP in the summer of 2023. For the convenience of customers, he used a Telegram bot to accept orders and payments.
Accomplices Involved
Three accomplices, two men and a woman, were involved in the packaging and delivery of drugs. They packed PVP in small ZIP packages and sent them to buyers using various delivery options, from personal meetings to shipping by mail carriers.
Operational Work of Law Enforcement
In order to avoid detection, the suspects used different bank cards for payment and frequently changed their phone numbers. However, thanks to the operational work of law enforcement officers, the criminals were exposed. Special equipment, bank cards, phones, and other evidence of their illegal activities were seized during searches.
Charges and Investigation
The suspects have been charged with illegal acquisition and storage for the purpose of sale of psychotropic substances in particularly large quantities, committed by a group of individuals in conspiracy. Currently, the question of imposing pretrial measures on them in the form of detention is being discussed. The investigation into this case is ongoing.
