A criminal gang with an annual drug trade turnover of 72 million UAH is set to face trial in Dnipropetrovsk region. (PHOTO)

In Kryvyi Rih, 10 members of a criminal group have been held accountable for establishing a drug business with an annual turnover of 72 million hryvnias. This was reported by "Vidomo," citing Dnipropetrovsk Regional Prosecutor's Office and Main Directorate of the National Police in Dnipropetrovsk Region.

The investigation revealed that a 32-year-old organizer established supply routes and distribution schemes for methamphetamine, cannabis, and A-PVP in the city, as well as recruited 9 others into the criminal activity.

Drugs and psychotropic substances were sold through specially created Telegram channels. To avoid identification, sales were conducted without personal meetings with clients – through so-called "drops" in the territory of Kryvyi Rih.

Payments for the "goods" were made to bank accounts controlled by them.

Over the course of a year, this activity yielded illegal profits of 72 million UAH for the members of the drug group.

During 27 searches, drugs, bank cards, 7 vehicles, cash, mobile phones, computer equipment, flash drives, handwritten notes, weapons, electronic scales, and other crucial evidence were seized.

All participants of the criminal organization have been apprehended under Article 208 of the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine and are facing charges under Part 1, 2 of Article 255 (creation, leadership of a criminal community or criminal organization, as well as participation in it), Part 4 of Article 28, Part 3 of Article 307 (illegal production, manufacture, acquisition, storage, transportation, mailing, or sale of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, or their analogs) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.

Currently, the accused are in custody.