On the peculiarities of investigating criminal offenses related to illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, their analogues or precursors in modern conditions

Abstract

The article examines the peculiarities of carrying out certain procedural actions during the investigation of criminal offenses related to the illegal circulation of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, their analogues or precursors, in modern conditions. The author states that in today's conditions, against the background of global informatization of society and the active introduction of the latest technologies in all spheres of human life, the forms of sale of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, their analogues or precursors are also changing. Criminals, using the assets of modern technologies, constantly improve their criminal activities, change directions of interaction with the aim of committing offenses.
 In Ukraine, as well as in the world in general, drug crime is actively carried out through smartphones and the Internet using messengers and special applications for the distribution of psychoactive substances, narcotic drugs and their analogues.
 The author researched the peculiarities of ensuring the prosecutor fulfills the tasks of criminal proceedings during the investigation of criminal offenses in the sphere of trafficking in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, their analogues or precursors: the prosecutor's exercise of powers aimed at ensuring the completeness and comprehensiveness of the investigation of the circumstances of the criminal offense and the correct application of the norms of the criminal law, and as well as the specifics of conducting investigative actions in criminal proceedings on the facts of trafficking in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, their analogues or precursors.
 The author concludes that the effectiveness of pre-trial investigation in criminal proceedings on the facts of illegal sale of substances excluded from free circulation using the Internet and other telecommunication technologies is complicated by the need to identify the user under a pseudonym.