Large-scale drug network dismantled: SBU and GDBOP arrest drug lord in Bulgaria

06.08.2026 | Crime News

An international operation by the SBU and GDBOP has neutralized a drug network comprising 14 laboratories. The arrested leader oversaw the trafficking of synthetic drugs worth over 2 million hryvnias.

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Large-scale international operation against drug trafficking

The Security Service of Ukraine (SSU), with the assistance of the Bulgarian GDBOP and the National Police, has conducted a successful operation against an international drug lord. The criminal group had organized large-scale production and trafficking of psychotropic substances to Ukraine and the EU.

14 illegal laboratories producing alpha-PVP, mephedrone, and amphetamines have been uncovered.

Structure of criminal activity

The leader of the group was detained at a Bulgarian resort, from where he had been coordinating the criminal activity. Six of his accomplices were arrested in Ukraine, and 150 kg of psychotropic substances and specialized equipment were seized during the searches. An extradition procedure for the organizer is currently underway, and he faces up to 13 years in prison.