National Police Operation Targets U420 Retail Chain
Under the procedural guidance of the Office of the Prosecutor General, the National Police is conducting searches across the U420 store network. These investigative actions are part of a probe into a criminal organization involved in illicit drug trafficking and money laundering. Police have been documenting the activities of these stores since December 2025, and the raids are part of criminal proceedings under Articles 255, 307, and 209 of Ukraine's Criminal Code.
Details of the Investigation
The U420 chain, which opened its first physical stores in Kyiv in the spring of 2025, now operates about thirty outlets in the capital. Investigative journalists from BihusInfo published a report detailing purchases made at three different U420 locations. Product samples were analyzed by a private laboratory and the Scientific Research Forensic Center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The tests revealed a banned psychotropic substance—a synthetic cannabinoid, a type of 'spice'—in the products, the circulation of which is illegal.
Law enforcement officials stated: 'Documentation of these stores' activities has been ongoing since December 2025. All details will be made public after the procedural actions are completed.'
Investigative actions are continuing, and the public awaits further information on the outcome of the probe. This case highlights the ongoing challenges in regulating synthetic drugs, which are often marketed as legal alternatives. The ongoing police operation could have significant consequences for the U420 chain and may influence the future regulation of similar retail establishments in Ukraine. The public and authorities will continue to monitor developments and their implications for national security.
The ongoing crackdown on illegal activities related to synthetic drugs is part of a broader effort by law enforcement to combat organized crime in Ukraine. Similar to the recent discovery of an illegal cigarette factory in the Cherkasy region, the U420 case underscores the challenges authorities face in addressing the illicit drug trade and the criminal networks that support it.