Employees of the Central Criminal Police Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs detained 3 individuals on charges of illegal purchase and storage of an especially large amount of narcotics by an organized group, facilitating illicit drug sales, and illegal cultivation of plants containing narcotic substances.

During searches of the suspects’ persons and homes, as well as locations identified by them, police seized an especially large quantity of narcotics prepared for distribution, including more than 13 kg of cannabis plants and 7 kg of marijuana.

The investigation found that some of the defendants had been illegally cultivating large quantities of narcotic plants in a specially equipped greenhouse.

Investigative actions also led to the seizure of materials used for packaging narcotics and cultivating the plants. The investigation is launched under Articles 260, 260-Quarter, and 265-Prima of the Criminal Code, which carry penalties of up to 20 years or life imprisonment.