Odesa region exposes clandestine pharmaceutical network for the production of steroids

Law enforcement officers have exposed Ukraine's largest clandestine production of counterfeit medicines - part of a network operated in Odesa region.

According to the Prosecutor General's Office, members of the organized criminal group manufactured and sold anabolic steroids under the guise of imported drugs for athletes.

"They operated in several regions, in particular in Odesa, Kyiv, Kharkiv and Lviv regions," the statement said.

The participants set up a full cycle of illegal manufacturing and distribution of counterfeit medicines. The production was carried out in uncertified premises in one of the regions. For this purpose, they used artisanal equipment and raw materials of unknown origin.

"The suspects manufactured various medicines. Among them are hormonal anabolic steroids, in particular testosterone propionate, which is often taken by athletes to increase muscle mass," the prosecutor's office said.

The drugs looked like original products - with factory packaging, labeling, holograms and instructions. However, most of them are fictitious drugs that are not registered in Ukraine or any other country. These products were then sold through telegram channels, messengers, and websites. It was also sent by mail to different regions, where other participants were responsible for its storage and sale.

While documenting the activities of the interregional group, law enforcement officers conducted about 60 searches. They seized equipment, raw materials, a large number of finished products - 20 thousand packages of more than 30 different types of medicines, almost 5 kg of loose pills, 1850 vials and 1245 packages of ampoules with anabolic drugs. In addition, two BMW X5 and BMW M8 cars, cash in national and foreign currency, equivalent to over UAH 20 million, were seized.

Preventive measures have been imposed on all suspects. The investigation is ongoing. Forensic examinations have been ordered to determine the chemical composition of other drugs, including the presence of potent or toxic substances. Other members of the organized criminal group and their role are being identified.

Олеся Ланцман