Over 4,000 plants and cannabis sent by mail: a large-scale drug operation uncovered in Mykolaiv
Hydroponics not for salad: police busted "farmers" with cannabis
In Mykolaiv and Kryvyi Rih law enforcement officers uncovered a group suspected of cultivating hemp, drying cannabis and sending drugs for further distribution. The Mykolaiv Region Police reported this on April 6, 2026. According to the police, the scheme involved a 45-year-old resident of Mykolaiv and two residents of Kryvyi Rih aged 51 and 64 years. All three were detained and have already been notified of suspicion.
According to the police, the suspects equipped premises with specialized equipment and agricultural gear and cultivated cannabis plants, including by hydroponic methods. To accelerate growth they used LED lamps, ventilation and air-conditioning systems, moisture meters, fertilizers and other equipment. When the crop matured, it was dried; part of the cannabis was packaged and sent by post to other group members for further sale. For concealment, according to law enforcement, the suspects used fictitious names or the details of deceased persons, and hid the drugs in jars and clothing.
During searches police seized:
- nearly 2 kilograms of processed cannabis,
- over 4,000 cannabis plants,
- 15 dried plants,
- cannabis seeds,
- 90 LED lamps,
- 35 reflector light fixtures,
- 12 fans,
- 4 air quality controllers,
- 6 humidity controllers,
- a dehumidifier,
- 3 electric water pumps,
- fertilizers, portable equipment and a vehicle.
The detentions were carried out in accordance with Article 208 of the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine. Investigators informed all three of suspicion under Part 2 of Article 310 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. In addition, the woman and the 64-year-old suspect are also charged under Part 1 of Article 307 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. Currently the court has imposed on the woman a preventive measure in the form of round-the-clock house arrest, and on the two men – custody with the right to post bail. If found guilty, they face up to 8 years of imprisonment.
Recall, earlier we wrote:
- She sought clients, he transported “goods”: the drug business ended with an arrest
- An organized group of drug dealers who earned a million a month will be tried in Mykolaiv
- Business “for their own”: in the Mykolaiv region a couple sold drugs to acquaintances
- Over 20 kg of amphetamine per month and distribution across the country: members of the criminal group will be tried in Mykolaiv
- In Mykolaiv during Operation Rubicon two were detained for selling particularly dangerous psychotropic substances
