SBU dismantles coffee shop network selling banned THC disguised as CBD

The Security Service of Ukraine, jointly with the National Police, conducted a large-scale operation that uncovered the activities of an interregional criminal group. Seventeen members of the network, which distributed banned substances under the guise of legal products containing cannabidiol, were detained across several regions.

Mechanics of the criminal scheme

The perpetrators used a network of "Bob Marley coffee" shops located in Ivano-Frankivsk (specifically at 16A Lyubomyr Huzar Street), Ternopil, and Poltava. To customers, the venues presented themselves as places selling beverages and desserts with added cannabidiol (CBD). This substance is legal in Ukraine and has no psychoactive properties.

However, under the guise of safe products, visitors and customers via online stores were sold POD systems containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This substance is the main psychoactive component of marijuana, causes intoxication, and is strictly prohibited within the state.

Logistics and participants

The head of the organisation was identified as a 25-year-old resident of Ivano-Frankivsk, who involved two co-conspirators in the scheme. E-cigarette supplies were sourced from Volyn, where batches of 100–300 units were purchased. An additional sales channel was organised in Lviv, where a similar venue operated.

The geography of drug distribution was expanded by two accomplices from Odesa. They used postal shipments and two online stores to deliver products across the country, acting on behalf of a fictitious sole proprietor.

Detention results and asset seizure

During 50 searches in six regions, law enforcement officers seized a significant quantity of goods and funds. Among the seized items were approximately 4,000 POD systems, 5,000 units of other drug-containing products, six cars, as well as cash in the amount of over 3.2 million UAH, 145,000 US dollars, and nearly 7,000 euros.

The total value of the seized assets and goods is estimated at 45 million hryvnia.

Legal consequences

Investigators from the pre-trial investigation bodies charged the suspects under Part 2 of Article 307 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. According to current legislation, the suspects face punishment in the form of imprisonment for up to ten years with confiscation of property.