Personal channel and mail delivery: a 17-year-old in the Mykolaiv region sold Alfa-PVP

In the Mykolaiv region a 17-year-old resident of Bashtanshchyna, according to the investigation, organized the sale of the especially dangerous psychotropic substance Alfa-PVP through his own channel in a messaging app. He purchased, stored, packaged and sent the psychotropics to buyers by mail within the region and to other regions, using fictitious personal data.

The criminal activity, according to the investigation, was uncovered and stopped by investigators of the investigative department together with officers of the Department for Combating Drug Crime and the Criminal Analysis Department. The operation was carried out with the tactical support of a special-purpose police company of the regional police chief directorate and the procedural supervision of the Mykolaiv Regional Prosecutor’s Office.

During the pretrial investigation, police established that the suspect himself created a channel in a messaging app to distribute Alfa-PVP. According to the investigation, he purchased the psychotropic substances in advance, stored and packaged them, and sold the prepared “product” through this channel.

The young man delivered packages via postal services both within the Mykolaiv region and to other regions. For concealment he used prearranged fictitious personal data.

The suspect was detained in accordance with Article 208 of the Criminal Procedural Code of Ukraine after receiving another batch of psychotropic substances.

During a sanctioned search at his place of residence, police found and seized over 102 grams of a crystalline substance disguised in a box of tea. Based on the result of a rapid test, forensic experts determined that it was the dangerous psychotropic substance Alfa-PVP.

Police also seized mobile phones, bank cards and other evidence of possible illegal activity. The seized items were sent for the appropriate examination.

Investigators, under the procedural supervision of the prosecutor’s office, notified the detainee of suspicion of illegal acquisition, possession with intent to distribute, sending, illegal distribution and transportation with intent to distribute an especially dangerous psychotropic substance in especially large amounts. The actions were qualified under parts 2 and 3 of Article 307 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.

The article’s sanction provides for up to 12 years imprisonment with confiscation of property. The court chose pretrial detention for the suspect with the possibility of posting bail of nearly 500,000 hryvnias.

The pretrial investigation is ongoing. Law enforcement are establishing the channels through which the psychotropics reached the suspect and the circle of persons who may be involved in the illegal activity.

Source: Mykolaiv Regional Police.