The Head of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine Serhii Deineko and the Attaché for Combating Illicit Drug Trafficking at the US Embassy in Ukraine Travis Brooks signed a Memorandum of Understanding

This landmark document, signed at the US Embassy, ​​reaffirmed the commitment of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine and the US Drug Enforcement Administration to mutually beneficial and equitable cooperation in combating transnational drug-related crimes, including their analogues, precursors and also related crimes.

According to Christina Quinn, Chargé d'Affaires of the United States, who was present at the event, an important event took place - the signing of a document on which the parties have been actively working for a long time.

"This confirms our work and partnership in the fight against drug trafficking. And it is especially gratifying that it took place in Kyiv with direct participants from the US Drug Enforcement Administration, ”she said.

The Head of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine thanked for the trust and noted that the United States have remained a reliable strategic partner.

"The signing of this Memorandum is another step in strengthening security. The capabilities of our operational units to combat cross-border crime will be significantly strengthened. From now on, we will be able to more closely exchange and analyze all the necessary information, jointly study methods of concealment of drugs, expose organized criminal groups suspected of involvement in the illicit trafficking", said Serhii Deyneko.

He assured that measures to combat drug trafficking, along with the detection of weapons and explosives, in the State Border Guard Service remain a priority.

"Every successful completion of an investigation or operation is due to the fact that we have deprived the criminal group of sources of illicit income and, in some cases, freedom," said the US Embassy's Attaché for Combating Illicit Drug Trafficking at the US Embassy in Ukraine.

Travis Brooks also highlighted the good relations with Ukrainian law enforcement agencies and stated: "We have no closer partner than the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine."

In addition to exchanging information, including on money laundering proceeds from drug trafficking, Ukrainian and American law enforcement officials agreed to engage in bilateral law enforcement activities, including joint operations, and jointly expose corrupt individuals involved in drug trafficking.

The volumes of the found drugs on the state border of Ukraine and level of risk from their smuggling remain high. In total, more than 170 kg of drugs have been seized at the border since the beginning of this year. The largest number was found at the sea channels and on the border with Russia. The main part of the detected narcotics are herbal drugs and cocaine.