Under the procedural guidance of the Prosecutor's Office of the Ternopil region, the activities of a group of 29 individuals engaged in the distribution of a new narcotic substance – crushed leaves of the plant Mitragyna speciosa ("kratom") – have been uncovered and halted.

The participants organized an extensive distribution system for "kratom," which operated throughout Ukraine. The narcotic substance was imported across the state border of Ukraine and then sold through internet platforms and Telegram channels, delivery services, including "Nova Poshta," gyms, and food establishments, where the main "clients" were young people.

In Ternopil, the fact of selling "kratom" has been documented for the first time in Ukraine. According to preliminary data, during their activities, the group members sold up to 10 tons of the substance within the territory of the state, with an estimated value on the "black market" exceeding 60 million UAH.

During the special operation, 78 searches were conducted in the city of Kyiv, as well as in the Kyiv, Volyn, Lviv, Ivano-Frankivsk, Vinnytsia, Zakarpattia, Ternopil, Chernivtsi, Kirovohrad, Zhytomyr, Odesa, Khmelnytskyi, and Cherkasy regions.

As a result of the investigative actions: 29 individuals, including 5 minors, have been notified of suspicion under parts 1, 2, and 3 of Article 307 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (illegal production, acquisition, storage, and distribution of narcotic substances). In particular, 21 participants have been detained in accordance with Articles 208 and 615 of the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine. Some individuals were detained at an international border crossing while attempting to import another batch of the narcotic substance. The issue of notifying them of suspicion regarding smuggling is being resolved.

Note: according to Article 62 of the Constitution of Ukraine, a person is presumed innocent of committing a crime and cannot be subjected to criminal punishment until their guilt is proven in a lawful manner and established by a court verdict.

* "Kratom" is the leaves of the tropical plant Mitragyna speciosa, which is widespread in Southeast Asia. Its active substance, mitragynine, has an effect that is 10 times stronger than morphine. In small doses, it acts as a stimulant, while in large doses, it causes addiction. By the resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine dated November 15, 2024, No. 1306, "kratom" and "mitragynine" have been included in the list of narcotic substances, psychotropic substances, and precursors.