Economic exclusion and criminal adaptations: A qualitative study of youth unemployment in Ghana

Addressing the problem of illicit drug trafficking for non-medical use remains a global challenge for the global community, and remains relevant in the 21st century. Determining global, national, and regional trends in narcotic and psychotropic substance consumption, assessing the epidemiological situation (incidence, prevalence), harm structure, and law enforcement indicators (seizures, trafficking routes) are necessary for developing a systemic response to drug-related violence at all levels. This article explores the rationale for transitioning the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic’s anti-drug policy from a reactive model to proactive management based on the principles of a cybernetic viable system and anticipatory governance. Based on an analysis of global and regional trends, it has been established that the drug situation has entered a synthetic-polytoxicological phase, with a predominance of preclinical risk, an increase in acute poisonings, and a lack of synchronicity between law enforcement and medical indicators. The study’s materials included regional administrative reports (Forms No. 11 and No. 37) for the period from 2014 to 2024, records of the Anti-Drug Commission and the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic, and structured tables on mortality and poisoning. Descriptive statistical methods were used, including comparative-analytical, structural-functional, and modeling research methods. The study demonstrated the effect of asymmetric adaptation — the ability of the illegal market to change chemical formulas and distribution channels faster than control measures can be updated. The aim of the study was to justify the need to implement a three-loop anticipatory management system: monitoring predictive patterns, scenario-based predictive assessment of probabilistic trajectories, and adaptive adjustment of measures in real time. According to the researchers, the proposed digital toxicology surveillance architecture will reduce the time lag between risk and response, shift from recording consequences to managing probabilities, and increase the resilience of the regional healthcare system to new forms of drug addiction.

Despite extensive research on criminal group disruption, little is known about how alternative efficiency/security configurations within drug trafficking organizations (DTOs) shape resilience under sustained law enforcement pressure. DTOs face a core trade-off: efficiency—achieved through coordination and information sharing—increases exposure, while security—based on compartmentalization and trust—constrains flexibility and scale. Although widely theorized, this trade-off has rarely been examined as alternative strategic profiles subjected to comparable enforcement conditions. We address three unresolved propositions about the efficiency/security trade-off in DTOs: whether different efficiency/security orientations within drug trafficking yield different resilience outcomes, whether security-oriented configurations should be expected to be more resilient, and how enforcement intensity and timing condition resilience. We build on MADTOR—an empirically grounded agent-based model calibrated on data from a major Italian investigation—to simulate DTO operations and multi-actor law enforcement interventions over five years. The model compares how secure, efficient, and intermediate DTOs respond to disruptions of varying intensity via survival, membership, and revenues. Results show that resilience varies across enforcement regimes: efficient DTOs perform better under lower-intensity disruption, whereas secure DTOs gain a survival advantage as arrest intensity increases and interventions are delayed through reduced exposure. These findings provide theory-driven insights that alternative strategic profiles within a shared activity domain produce distinct resilience trajectories and challenge portrayals of DTOs as uniformly profit-oriented enterprises. The study demonstrates how strategic configurations interact with enforcement intensity and timing to shape resilience outcomes, and offers a transparent simulation framework to evaluate the long-term impact of alternative interventions. • The efficiency/security trade-off shapes drug trafficking organization (DTO) resilience under enforcement. • Efficiency boosts survival without enforcement, but increases exposure under pressure. • Under repeated interventions, secure DTOs outlive efficient ones. • Intervention timing and frequency strongly condition DTO survival.

KDEL-mediated modulation of intracellular trafficking in cell-targeted protein drugs.

Rapid and simultaneous quantification of cocaine and adulterants in seized samples using portable NIR spectroscopy and chemometrics

Narcotics trafficking has emerged as one of the most serious forms of organized crime in the modern world, posing a significant threat to public health, social stability, economic development, and national security. In India, the growing menace of drug abuse and illicit trafficking led to the enactment of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (NDPS Act), which provides a comprehensive legal framework to regulate and control narcotic substances. This research article examines the nature, scope, and effectiveness of the NDPS Act in combating drug trafficking. It analyses the stringent provisions of the Act, including punishment based on quantity, reverse burden of proof, and restrictive bail conditions. The article also evaluates procedural safeguards and highlights the critical role played by the judiciary in ensuring fairness and protection of fundamental rights. Further, it discusses major challenges such as over-criminalization, lack of distinction between traffickers and minor offenders, delays in trials, and misuse of provisions. The study emphasizes the need for a balanced socio-legal approach that integrates strict enforcement with rehabilitation, awareness, and reformative justice. The article concludes that while the NDPS Act is a powerful tool against drug-related crimes, necessary reforms are required to ensure justice, proportionality, and effectiveness in its implementation.

Cannabis legalization and law enforcement drug seizures: a state-level analysis of cannabis policy effects on cannabis seizures in the United States, 2010-2023.

ABSTRACT Drug trafficking ranks among the gravest threats confronting contemporary societies, cutting across public health, social cohesion, and national security in ways that no single legislative instrument can fully address. In the Indian context, the enactment of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (hereinafter "the NDPS Act" or "the Act") marked a decisive shift in state policy toward illicit narcotics consolidating a fragmented pre-existing legal architecture, honouring India's obligations under foundational United Nations conventions,[1] and erecting a comprehensive statutory mechanism for regulating every phase of the drug supply chain from cultivation through to financing. The Act's penal philosophy rests on deterrence: offences are graded by the quantity of the substance involved, and commercial-quantity offences attract mandatory minimum sentences of rigorous imprisonment ranging from ten to twenty years alongside substantial fines.[2] Reinforcing this framework are provisions for reverse burden of proof, restrictive bail conditions under Section 37, and enhanced penalties for repeat offenders each reflecting a legislative determination to suppress narcotics-related criminality through the instrument of severe, predictable punishment. Keywords: Drug Trafficking, NDPS Act 1985, Mandatory Minimum Sentences, Proportionality, Judicial Interpretation, Reverse Burden of Proof, Drug Policy Reform, India [1]Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (Act 61 of 1985), Preamble [hereinafter NDPS Act]; Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, Mar. 30, 1961, 520 U.N.T.S. 151; Convention on Psychotropic Substances, Feb. 21, 1971, 1019 U.N.T.S. 175. [2]NDPS Act §§ 15–25 (prescribing rigorous imprisonment of not less than ten years and a fine of not less than one lakh rupees for commercial-quantity offences).

The criminalization of illicit/unregulated drug distribution as “drug trafficking” has grown increasingly entangled with rhetoric and allegations of “human trafficking,” producing a convergence of how trafficking across policy domains is understood and regulated by the state. This commentary traces three critical parallels across state drug and human trafficking frameworks: (1) racialized constructions of the “trafficker,” (2) erasure of structural determinants of participation in informal economies, and (3) reliance on binary victim–perpetrator representations. The commentary draws on empirical research based primarily in Ontario, Canada, that involved 41 interviews with people who use drugs charged with drug offences, frontline harm reduction workers, criminal defense lawyers, and drug policy experts as a point of departure to interrogate wider structural and discursive trends in the governance of criminalized economies. Our argument is twofold: first, that the premise of “the trafficker” and use of “trafficking” as an organizing framework produces various harms across different sites of policy and practice, and second, that policymakers and harm reduction practitioners must resist the growing discursive slippage that entangles drug and human trafficking in the name of protection. Resisting trafficking frameworks is thus a policy imperative, as they erode fragile rights safeguards, consolidate carceral and racialized governance regimes, and foreclose alternative approaches that address the structural conditions shaping involvement in drug economies.

ABSTRACT The Caribbean region has emerged as an epicentre of transnational organised crime, where firearms are not only tools of protection but also increasingly function as both currency and commodities within the drug trade. Despite limited network analyses on the interrelationship between arms and drug trafficking in the region, existing literature suggests their interconnection remains to be empirically tested. As a step in this direction, this research undertakes a quantitative analysis of regional seizures of drugs and firearms based on an open-source dataset, complemented by anecdotal evidence from available regional jurisprudence to assess whether the two commodities are frequently seized jointly, thus indicating an interconnectivity of the markets and various trends observed. The analysis of 1,098 seizure instances from press articles and 107 court cases reveals a moderate correlation, pointing to a possible link between firearm and drug seizures, with some countries acting as ‘hotspots’ while others exhibiting only weak associations.

Organized crime in Brazil emerged as a response to conditions of social inequality, corruption and failures in the public security system. The first organizations emerged in overcrowded prisons, where inmates formed hierarchical structures, forming networks that operated both inside and outside the penitentiaries. Drug trafficking was the starting point of these factions, but, over time, they diversified their illicit activities, expanding their operations to areas such as robberies, kidnappings, and territorial control. These criminal organizations have established parallel power, especially in urban regions and peripheries, directly challenging the State. Furthermore, the expansion of these factions was favored by the vulnerability of certain sectors of society, the ineffectiveness of public policies to combat crime and the lack of an integrated strategy between security bodies. Thus, criminal organizations have consolidated themselves as a significant force, operating in both drug trafficking and other large-scale crimes, causing profound impacts on public security and the country's governance.

The use of police intelligence has become fundamental for crime prevention, especially in modern times, where the complexity of threats requires an increasingly sophisticated approach. The evolution of technologies, such as artificial intelligence, big data and digital surveillance, has allowed security forces to anticipate criminal actions, detecting patterns of suspicious behavior before crimes even happen. By integrating these technologies into traditional police operations, it is possible to obtain valuable information in real time, optimizing resource allocation and reducing response time to threats. In addition to technological tools, police intelligence also relies on cooperation between different institutions and countries, allowing information sharing and a more coordinated response to transnational crimes. This integration has been crucial to combat challenges such as terrorism, drug and human trafficking, as well as cybercrime. However, the implementation of police intelligence faces significant challenges, such as citizen privacy and the ethical use of these technologies. Furthermore, police intelligence, while promising advances in crime prevention, requires a careful balance between public safety and individual rights. With the increase in crime in digital environments and the globalization of organized crime, adapting security forces to this new reality is essential to guarantee the safety of the population and effectiveness in combating new forms of threat.

Drug-related crimes constitute serious offenses that are not only committed by individuals but also increasingly involve corporations as both instruments and main actors in illegal drug trafficking networks. This study aims to analyze the regulation and implementation of corporate criminal liability in drug-related crimes under Indonesian positive law, as well as to examine the obstacles and possible improvements. This research employs a normative juridical method with statutory, conceptual, and judicial decision analysis approaches. The results reveal that corporations have been recognized as criminal law subjects under Law Number 35 of 2009 on Narcotics; however, technical regulations concerning standards of fault, mechanisms of proof, and corporate punishment remain inadequate. In practice, the enforcement of corporate criminal liability still faces various challenges, including procedural limitations, difficulties in proving corporate intent, limited law enforcement capacity, and structural as well as cultural legal constraints. Therefore, this study recommends strengthening regulatory frameworks, reforming criminal procedural law, enhancing law enforcement capacity, and reinforcing inter-agency coordination to improve the effectiveness of corporate prosecution in narcotics crimes. This research is expected to contribute to the development of national criminal law and to strengthen a more comprehensive and just drug law enforcement system.

This paper seeks to examine how drug abuse affects peace and stability within certain districts of Mogadishu in Somalia. Using the descriptive and explanatory methodology, the study aims at comprehending the connection between drug abuse and its impacts on the community. To choose the 153 study participants, a non-probability stratified random sampling method will be applied. The samples of people who used as respondents were local leaders, academics, NGOs, women groups, and youth organizations in the districts of Abdi-Aziz, Boondheere, Waaberi and Hodan. The actual data collection was carried out in the form of face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire. The answers were then coded and then analyzed in SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences). The researcher cites bars and hotels as the most common places of drug abuse with the educational institutions demonstrating relatively lower drug-related behaviors. In addition, the study also brings the issue of youth unemployment as a major factor that leads to the spread of drug abuse. It is promoting better border control and tight supervision of the seaports in an effort to curb drug trafficking in Somalia. The results show that the greatest proportion of drug abusers is represented by people between 15 and 25. The major drug facilitators of illicit drug trade in the country are identified as Somali drug cartels, organized crime groups and drug import companies. The research highlights that unemployment among young people needs to be resolved in order to open employment opportunities, education, and activities as the prevention of drug abuse. The paper finally found a range of negative consequences, such as an increase in murder, robbery, sexual assaults, theft, violence, and social unrest, all of which negatively affect the security and stability of the country. The research recommends the use of a holistic approach, which focuses on the implementation of evidence-based prevention initiatives among vulnerable groups with specific emphasis to the youth. It should focus these programs on education, awareness and development of life skills to deter the use of drugs and provide alternative opportunities. It is therefore advisable that the Mogadishu municipality should invest in available and quality drug treatment and rehabilitation facilities to help the people who struggle with drug addiction including counseling, detoxification, and long-term rehabilitation

Examines criminal law mechanisms for protecting children's rights in the context of the spread of "pharmacy" drug addiction in the Kyrgyz Republic. A SWOT analysis identifies structural conflicts in criminal law and law enforcement practices that hinder the effective protection of minors. The need to transform criminal policy toward prioritizing prevention, victimization, and rehabilitation of minors as victims of drug trafficking is substantiated. This research was conducted under a grant from Osh State University (D.31/24).

Drug abuse remains a serious problem threatening the younger generation, including university students. The coastal areas of Bengkulu City are vulnerable to drug trafficking due to social and geographical factors. Universities, as educational institutions, have a strategic role in efforts to prevent drug abuse through promotional and preventive activities. This activity aims to detect early drug abuse among students of the Faculty of Health Sciences at Dehasen University Bengkulu, as well as to raise awareness and commitment of the academic community in creating a campus environment free from drugs. The methods for implementing this community service activity include socialization about the dangers of drug abuse, education on the importance of early detection, and urine testing for students of Fikes Dehasen Bengkulu.Urine tests are carried out according to standard procedures using rapid drug test kits. This activity is conducted in a coordinated manner involving lecturers, healthcare workers from the Bengkulu City National Narcotics Agency (BNN), and students as participants totaling 70 people.The results of the activity indicate that out of 70 people who underwent urine testing (early detection), negative results (-) were obtained, which shows that the majority of Fikes Dehasen Bengkulu students are free from drug abuse. The results of education and awareness-raising activities based on the pre-test and post-test show an increase in participants' understanding of the dangers and types of drugs, with the average pre-test score being 62 and an increase in participants' knowledge to an average post-test score of 82.Conclusion: the community service activity of the campus drug-free movement (Bersinar) through urine testing on students of Fikes Dehasen Bengkulu ran smoothly and provided positive benefits for the participants.This activity is effective in supporting efforts to prevent drug abuse and strengthening the commitment of the academic community to creating a healthy, safe, and drug-free campus. Similar activities are recommended to be carried out continuously as part of promotive and preventive programs in higher education institutions.

The article analyzes the conceptual foundations of digital forensics and its role in the context of the transformation of drug-related crimes. The author notes that at the initial stage, digital forensics was equated with computer forensics. However, as a result of the development of information and communication technologies, it has evolved into a comprehensive scientific and practical field encompassing all electronic systems capable of storing and processing digital data. This field ensures the identification, preservation, and preparation of digital evidence for use in judicial proceedings. The article further emphasizes that the digital environment has transformed the forms and methods of illicit drug trafficking, expanding models of anonymous activity conducted through social media, particularly via darknet platforms and cryptocurrencies. The author highlights that although the collection and analysis of digital traces play a significant role in solving crimes, this process must be carried out in accordance with the principles of legality, proportionality, and the protection of fundamental rights. In conclusion, the article substantiates that digital forensics has strategic importance in combating drug-related crimes and that the development of this field is essential for enhancing the effectiveness of law enforcement activities

The aim of this study is to examine the economic characteristics of heroin transportation and distribution. This process is decomposed into stages, demonstrating the likelihood of detection and suppression by government agencies, as well as the costs incurred by criminal organizations at each stage. The interactions between heroin buyers and sellers during price formation at various stages are demonstrated. This allows us to conclude that the costs of criminal organizations are directly dependent on the risks of detection and suppression of drug trafficking by government agencies. The highest added value is observed at stages where the highest risks incur the greatest costs for organized crime groups — border crossings and heroin sales to consumers. The high profitability of drug trafficking is explained by the fact that the opium market in places where it grows is close to a monopsony, while the heroin market in places where it is consumed behaves almost like a food monopoly. Recommendations for countering drug trafficking are based on identifying the legal economic entities interacting with them. The possibility of detecting joint operations involving entities from the legal and illegal sectors of the economy is demonstrated due to the lack of economic feasibility or logic of entrepreneurial behavior in them.

Examining Drug Trafficking Investigations In South Africa: Challenges And Interventions For Law Enforcement Agencies

Introduction: The Amazon region has become a strategic corridor for transnational drug trafficking and the expansion of criminal organizations. Objective: This study analyzes the activities of factions in Pará between 2019 and 2023. Methodology: Through an exploratory, documentary, and mixed-methods approach, based on approximately 6,200 incident records from the Pará State Department of Public Security and judicial proceedings. Results: Results show extortion as the most recurrent crime, with sharp growth from 2022, followed by threats, drug trafficking, and homicides. The Comando Vermelho dominates territorially, operating in 140 municipalities and surpassing the Primeiro Comando da Capital and regional groups. Conclusion: The findings highlight the need for intelligence-based public policies, particularly integrated river bases to monitor strategic waterways.