Natalia Babenchuk fined for importing drugs containing prohibited substances from Egypt

Demand for cheap medicines led to criminal case

A woman who tried to save on medical preparations during her trip found herself at the centre of a criminal investigation. Natalia Babenchuk was returning from a holiday in Egypt, unaware that popular medicines there contain substances whose import into Ukraine is restricted.

Encounter with customs officers at the border

Events unfolded on 24 August 2024. Natalia Babenchuk was crossing the state border through the "Mamalyga-Kryva" international road checkpoint of the "Mamalyga" customs post of the Chernivtsi Customs, travelling from the territory of Moldova. During customs control, officers discovered a large quantity of medicines among her clothing and other personal belongings in her suitcase.

The seized preparations included:

• 130 SLEEPEZ tablets;
• 480 MEDIZEN tablets;
• 110 CONGESTAL tablets;
• 410 AMIGRAINE ADCO tablets.

Expertise results and the defendant's explanation

Expert examination confirmed that the composition of the seized substances contains precursors whose circulation is restricted in Ukraine. Specifically, 5.3088 g of pseudoephedrine and 0.3971 g of ergotamine were detected. These quantities are classified as a large scale.

During interrogation, Natalia Babenchuk admitted that she had purchased these medicines in Egypt because they cost significantly less there and, in her opinion, are of higher quality. The woman emphasised that she was unaware of the ban on importing such preparations.

Court decision

On 6 October 2026, the Novoselytsia District Court of Chernivtsi Oblast delivered its verdict. Natalia Babenchuk was found guilty of committing a crime under Part 2 of Article 305 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (large-scale precursor smuggling).

The court took into account the defendant's sincere repentance, her active assistance in uncovering the crime, and the absence of previous convictions. In accordance with Article 69 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, a mitigated punishment in the form of a fine of 34,000 hryvnias (equivalent to 2,000 non-taxable minimums of citizens' income) was imposed. The court did not apply confiscation of property.

The suitcase with personal belongings was returned to its owner, and the empty medicine packaging was ordered to be destroyed.