{
  "id": 12372729,
  "title": "Ukraine Busts ‘Breaking Bad’ Labs Exporting Methadone Disguised as Car Fluid",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/ukraine-busts-breaking-bad-labs-exporting-methadone-disguised-as-car",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-06T11:55:51.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Kyiv Post",
    "slug": "kyiv-post",
    "url": "https://www.kyivpost.com/post/86242"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Ukrainian authorities have dismantled two drug laboratories, dubbed \"Breaking Bad,\" after a two-stage operation. The police operation, named after the popular US television show, led to the seizure of methadone and amphetamine worth over Hr.10 million ($223,000). Eighty-seven searches were conducted, resulting in the arrest of six individuals and the notification of eight others suspected of criminal offenses. The first group, based in the Kyiv region, manufactured methadone and allegedly planned to export it through Moldova, Romania, Bulgaria, and Turkey, disguised as automotive fluid. The second group operated mobile labs in the Cherkasy and Vinnytsia regions, producing amphetamine, which was then distributed across Ukraine and smuggled into Moldova. The investigators claim that the chemists were recruited from a university-level institution, with one individual holding a PhD-level degree. The suspects are accused of illegally manufacturing and distributing narcotics and psychotropic substances, as well as handling chemical precursors unlawfully. If convicted, they could face up to 12 years in prison. The investigation is ongoing.",
  "summary": "Ukraine’s National Police dismantled two alleged drug networks during an operation named “Breaking Bad.” Investigators say one laboratory produced more than 10 kilograms (22 pounds) of methadone monthly and planned to export it disguised as automotive fluid, while mobile laboratories produced amphetamine for sale in Ukraine and Moldova.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}