Illegal Sales Research Articles

How can tracking and tracing systems give us a look at the dark side of the tobacco market?

The aim of this work is to present possible applications of the systems of tobacco traceability for guiding local enforcement against illicit trade. The proposed three-step strategy relies on a robust regression technique and Local Moran's I, a local indicator of spatial association, and aims at identifying retail outlets with significantly low sales compared to normal market conditions, which can indicate illegal sales activities. The ability of the method to produce alerts pointing to areas subject to illicit trade is tested on synthetic data in terms of precision and accuracy in different scenarios. Other metrics are also provided. Our approach performs well under different metrics and across various levels of illicit trade prevalence, achieving a precision of 94% under the main scenario and method parametrisation. The proposed strategy provides high-quality leads for investigations into geographical areas disproportionately susceptible to illicit trade, potentially unveiling any form of illegal sales, including those involving products that have never entered the legal supply chain. Therefore, it can be a valuable tool for law enforcement agencies to tackle illegal sales activities. The findings of this study support also the argument in favour of expanding tobacco traceability systems downstream to the full length of the supply chain.

Impact of regulatory tightening of the Hungarian tobacco retail market on availability, access and cigarette smoking prevalence of adolescents

IntroductionPolicies that reduce tobacco retail density to decrease tobacco use among the youth are critical for the tobacco endgame. This paper reviews a Hungarian tobacco regulatory measure, which, since 2013,...

Compuestos bioactivos en plántulas de Laelia speciosa (Orchidaceae) cultivados en biorreactor de inmersión temporal

Laelia speciosa is an epiphytic orchid endemic to Mexico, enjoying special protected status due to illegal sales and clandestine field extraction. Until now, in vitro cultivation of this plant has not been explored using temporary immersion bioreactor (TIB). L. speciosa seedlings were grown in a TIB, and the presence of bioactive compounds released into the liquid culture medium was determined. Bioactive compounds such as antioxidants, total polyphenols, and flavonoids were identified. The maximum concentration of total polyphenols was 2.29 ± 0.10 mg GAE/g, and the antioxidant capacity reached 33.7 %. Colorimetric tests revealed the presence of flavanones and flavonols. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry identified components of the culture medium as 1,3-dihydroxyacetone dimer and 5-(hydroxymethyl)-2-furancarbaldehyde. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the presence of polyphenols in the culture medium. This work provides an alternative method for obtaining bioactive compounds while conserving L. speciosa seedlings.

Modification of drug crimes in cyberspace as a threat to the nation’s spiritual health

The purpose of this study is to identify the main problems of drug cybercrime, as well as to justify the detrimental impact of the contactless distribution of narcotic drugs on the spiritual health of the nation. The illegal sale of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances is one of the topical issues of modern society. The methodological basis of this study was comparative legal, formal logical, and statistical methods, as well as methods of logical deduction and induction. Today, cyberspace is increasingly being used for the trafficking of synthetic drugs. The problem of drug cybercrime is one of the main components of the public and information security of the Russian Federation. The use of cyberspace and cryptocurrencies for illicit drug trafficking poses serious challenges for criminal justice professionals, especially for law enforcement agencies. The analysis indicates the objective need for further elaboration of proposals in the disclosure of crimes related to drug trafficking committed remotely. It is argued that it is the anonymity of users of shady sites of the Global Network that complicates the work of law enforcement agencies to counter the «virtual drug business». A comprehensive analysis of the identified trends in the modification of drug crime using information technologies of the Internet was carried out. Certain problems of an organizational and legal nature when investigating drug crimes in a virtual environment are highlighted, and possible options for their solution are presented.

Mislabeling, illegal capture, and commercialization of Atlantic goliath grouper (Epinephelus itajara) on the Brazilian coast using DNA barcoding

Abstract The Atlantic goliath grouper Epinephelus itajara is the largest grouper species in the Atlantic Ocean. Despite the conservation status being Vulnerable (VU) globally and Critically Endangered (CR) in Brazil, the species continues to face threats from overfishing throughout its range. We used DNA barcoding employing the mitochondrial Cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene to identify the illegal commercialization of E. itajara in fish markets from the northern (NC) and southern (SC) Brazilian coasts. Sampling was conducted in fish markets and aimed to confirm the identification of mischaracterized fish sold as E. itajara in the NC, as well as identifying fish fillets sold as the Dusky grouper in the SC. DNA barcoding allowed the unambiguous identification of 22 (84.6%) of the 26 analyzed fish market samples. Both sampled areas had confirmation of E. itajara illegal commercialization and from the 22 analyzed samples, 17 (77.3%) were confirmed to be E. itajara. Here we report two crimes, the illegal sale of E. itajara and commercial fraud by species substitution. This study has highlighted that the existing legislation that protects E. itajara in Brazilian waters requires the adoption of better public policies for the conservation of the species.

A Socio-Criminological Analysis of Off-Campus Accommodation in Public Tertiary Institutions in Nasarawa State, Nigeria.

Off-campus which is an alternative for on-campus due to limited space on-campus is faced with various degrees of problems. These problems directly have negative impact on students living off-campus. A careful observation shows most off-campus areas are faced with problems, hence it is not peculiar to one institution but it cuts across different tertiary institutions of learning. This study examined students’ off-campus accommodation with specific focus on public tertiary institutions in Nasarawa State. The objectives of the study include to: find out the forms of disorderly conducts that are associated with off-campus accommodation system in public tertiary institutions in Nasarawa State, ascertain the reasons for the persistence of disorderly conducts in off campus accommodation system in public tertiary institutions in Nasarawa State, determine how the disorderly conducts associated with off-campus accommodation system affect students, explore ways that could curb the disorderly conducts common in off-campus accommodation system in public tertiary institutions in Nasarawa State. The social control theory of Travis Hirschi was adopted for theoretical framework. Survey research design was used. Sample size of 385 respondents were sampled using Cochran formula for sample size determination and given copies of questionnaire to fill and submit, however only 376 were retrieved for analysis. Data were collected from both primary and secondary sources. The method of data analysis was through the use of percentages, mean and standard deviation. This is for easy comprehension by readers. Findings revealed that the forms of disorderly conducts that are associated with off-campus accommodation system in public tertiary institutions in Nasarawa State include drinking in public, playing loud music or causing excessive noise late at night, illegal sales of drugs and exposing one’s naked body. Findings also revealed that the ways disorderly conducts associated with off-campus affect students include poor academic performance, interpersonal problem, safety concerns and distortion of student’s morals. The study recommended that Parents and guidance should constantly check their wards living off-campus in order to maintain strong bond with them so as to discourage them from engaging in disorderly conducts. The study also recommended that Government and management of institutions should revisit the Build, Operate and Transfer Policy (BOT) and adhere to its philosophy to boost provision of on-campus accommodation

Peculiarities of Investigating Criminal Offenses Related to Illegal Turnover of Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances, Their Analogues or Precursors: Criminal Law Aspect

The article highlights the legal regulation of peculiarities concerning investigation of criminal offenses related to the illegal turnover of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, their analogues or precursors.. Main content. It has been established that 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 nickname. Methodology: The methodological basis of the research is presented as comparative-legal and systematic analysis, formal-legal method, interpretation method, hermeneutic method as well as methods of analysis and synthesis. Conclusions. It has been established that in today’s conditions, against the background of the global IT development 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. While using the assets of modern technologies criminals 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 crimes are actively carried out through smartphones via the “Internet” network using messengers and special applications for the distribution of psychoactive substances, narcotic drugs and their analogues.

Pertanggungjawaban Pidana Bagi Pihak Marketplace dan Penjual dalam Jual Beli Obat Ilegal Jenis Cytotec Secara Online

Indonesian society, especially those in urban areas, is inseparable from the internet, because almost all activities always involve the internet and information technology. So, it is not surprising that the internet has now become a basic necessity for some groups, especially for those who use the internet for business purposes (E-commerce). One of the online suggestions for selling illegal drugs is E-commerce as access to transactions via online media. Through these trade transactions, conventional buying and selling is no longer valid, and E-commerce has become an alternative trade for consumers. What is the responsibility of the marketplace and sellers in the illegal buying and selling of Cytotec hard drugs online. The type of research used is normative juridical (legal research). using a statutory approach and a case approach. In this research, researchers found that the marketplace has criminal responsibility for buying and selling illegal drugs such as misoprostol online. Based on an analysis of applicable laws and regulations, it was found that the marketplace has an obligation to monitor and prevent illegal drug buying and selling transactions on its platform. This research concludes that the marketplace is criminally responsible for buying and selling illegal drugs such as misoprostol online. Research findings show that marketplaces have an obligation to monitor and prevent illegal drug sales transactions on their platforms. However, in several cases studied, there is strong evidence that marketplaces do not take adequate steps to prevent the sale of illegal drugs, such as a lack of seller verification mechanisms, monitoring of unlawful advertisements, and a disinterest in removing illegal drug offers.

Identification and Characterization of Illegal Sales of Cannabis and Nicotine Delivery Products on Telegram Messaging Platform.

Unregulated and potentially illegal sales of tobacco, nicotine, and cannabis products have been detected on various social media platforms, e-commerce sites, online retailers, and the dark web. New end-to-end encrypted messaging services are popular among online users and present opportunities for marketing, trading, and selling of these products. The purpose of this study was to identify and characterize tobacco, nicotine, and cannabis selling activity on the messaging platform Telegram. The study was conducted in three phases: (1) identifying keywords related to tobacco, nicotine, and cannabis products for purposes of detecting Telegram groups and channel messages; (2) automated data collection from public Telegram groups; and (3) manual annotation and classification of messages engaged in marketing and selling products to consumers. Four keywords were identified ("Nicotine," "Vape," "Cannabis," and "Smoke") that yielded 20 Telegram groups with 262 506 active subscribers. Total volume of channel messages was 43 963 unique messages that included 3094 (7.04%) marketing/selling messages. The most commonly sold products in these groups were cannabis-derived products (83.25%, n = 2576), followed by tobacco/nicotine-derived products (6.46%, n = 200), and other illicit drugs (0.77%, n = 24). A variety of marketing tactics and a mix of seller accounts were observed, though most appeared to be individual suppliers. Telegram is an online messaging application that allows for custom group creation and global connectivity, but also includes unregulated activities associated with the sale of cannabis and nicotine delivery products. Greater attention is needed to conduct monitoring and enforcement on these emerging platforms for unregulated and potentially illegal cannabis and nicotine product sales direct-to-consumer. Based on study results, Telegram represents an emerging platform that enables a robust cannabis and nicotine-selling marketplace. As local, state, and national tobacco control regulations continue to advance sales restrictions and bans at the retail level, easily accessible and unregulated Internet-based channels must be further assessed to ensure that they do not act as conduits for exposure and access to unregulated or illegal cannabis and nicotine products.

Modern Practice of Drug Sales Qualification

The article deals with the issues of qualification of the sale of narcotic drugs using caches. The author, commenting on the resolution of the Plenum of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation of 15.06.2006 No. 14 “On judicial practice in cases of crimes related to narcotic drugs, psychotropic, potent and poisonous substances” (16.05.2017), analyzes law enforcement practice in terms of assessing the stages of drug sales through bookmarks. Methods. The research uses methods of analysis and synthesis, system, structural, formal and legal. Brief conclusions. Based on examples of court decisions in specific criminal cases, typical errors in qualifying the illegal sale of narcotic drugs through bookmarks, caused by an incorrect interpretation in some cases of the concept of sale of narcotic drugs and the moment of its end, are considered. It is concluded that the sale of narcotic drugs committed by a group of persons by prior conspiracy or by an organized group is completed for each of the accomplices only if it is established that the purchaser has been informed of the location of the stash. Thus, the actions of a pawnbroker who is detained while constructing a hiding place in a place not previously agreed upon with the purchaser, as a rule, are subject to qualification as an attempted sale.

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

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.

Does a Place of Last Drink (POLD) Initiative Affect Alcohol Serving Staff Attitudes and Perceptions Related to Overservice of Alcohol?

Background : One enforcement strategy used to address illegal sales of alcohol to intoxicated patrons (i.e., overservice) is Place of Last Drink (POLD). When law enforcement responds to an alcohol-related incident, they ask persons involved in the incident where they had their last drink; POLD data can then be used to track patterns of overservice. Methods : We evaluated potential effects of a POLD initiative in one state (USA) on the attitudes and perceptions of serving staff (i.e., bartenders and servers) about their experiences in refusing sales to intoxicated customers. We conducted interviews with 44 serving staff across 24 communities (14 communities that participated in the POLD initiative and 10 comparison communities). We analyzed the interview transcripts using a qualitative matrix to identify major themes. Results : We found few differences across the two study conditions, with interview participants having no apparent awareness of POLD and many stating that overservice occurs frequently without law enforcement getting involved. One difference we identified was serving staff from communities in the POLD initiative reporting generally positive experiences with their managers when refusing sales to intoxicated patrons, whereas serving staff in comparison communities more commonly saying they were overruled by their managers. It is possible that these differences are the result of the POLD initiative; however, more research is needed. Conclusions : In general, serving staff across communities share many similar perceptions and attitudes around overservice. These findings can inform future implementation of POLD and other strategies to reduce overservice of alcohol.

Using the network scale-up method to characterise kidney trafficking in Kalai Upazila, Bangladesh

This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of illegal kidney sales in Kalai Upazila, Bangladesh, using the Network Scale-Up Method (NSUM), an ego-centric network survey-based technique used to estimate the...

Некоторые меры по уточнению признаков склонения к потреблению наркотиков и смежных с этим деяний

The article is aimed at improving the norms enshrined in Articles 230, 2281 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, Article 6.13 of the Code of the Russian Federation on Administrative Offenses, Article 46 of the Federal Law “Concerning Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances”. In order to improve the accuracy of qualifi-cation, the author develops a definition for the concept of “arousal of desire” in relation to drug use, which char-acterizes the crime under Article 230 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation. With the aim of differen-tiating the actions of inducement to drug use, their propaganda and advertising, it is proposed to clarify the ori-entation of the latter to an indefinite circle of persons, fixing its legal signs. To ensure a uniform qualification of inducement to drug use coupled with illegal sale of drugs, a normative rule for the qualification of such situa-tions is substantiated. Models for changing legal norms are proposed taking into account the experience of legislators and scientists from Switzerland and Germany.

FDA seeks fines against stores selling e‐cigarettes that appeal to youth

In September, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued complaints for civil money penalties (CMPs) against 22 retailers for the illegal sale of Elf Bar/EB Design e‐cigarettes, a popular youth‐appealing brand. The FDA previously warned each retailer in the form of a warning letter to stop selling unauthorized tobacco products. During follow‐up inspections, the FDA observed the retailers had not corrected the violations, which resulted in these civil money penalty actions.

SANKSI PIDANA BAGI PEMILIK APOTEK TERHADAP PENJUALAN OBAT DAFTAR G SECARA ILEGAL

The illegal sale of G-list drugs by pharmacy owners is a practice that violates the law and has the potential to endanger public health. This study aims to analyze the role of criminal witnesses and the challenges faced by law enforcers in prosecuting pharmacies selling illegal G-list drugs. The research method used is document analysis and interviews with related parties. The results of the study show that criminal witnesses play an important role in disclosing facts related to the illegal sale of List G drugs. Their testimony is vital evidence in the law enforcement process to bring perpetrators to justice. However, the process of providing testimony at trial faced several challenges, including threats to witness safety, intimidation, and harassment that could affect the integrity of testimony.

Multistate outbreak of turtle-associated salmonellosis highlights ongoing challenges with the illegal sale and distribution of small turtles.

The sale and distribution of small turtles (shell length <4 inches) as pets has been banned in the United States since 1975 because of the risk of Salmonella transmission, especially to children. Despite this 48-year-old ban, salmonellosis outbreaks continue to be linked to contact with small turtles. During investigations of turtle-associated outbreaks, information regarding the turtle farm of origin is difficult to obtain because turtles are commonly sold by transient vendors. During 2020-2021, public health officials investigated a multistate illness outbreak caused by Salmonella enterica serotype Typhimurium linked to pet small turtles. Cases were defined as a laboratory-confirmed Salmonella Typhimurium infection highly related (within 0-6 allele differences) to the outbreak strain based on whole-genome sequencing analysis by core-genome multilocus sequence typing with illness onset occurring during 27 August 2020-14 May 2021. Forty-three patients were identified from 12 states; of these, 35% (15/43) were children <5 years old. Among patients with available information, 37% (14/38) were hospitalized, and one death was reported. Seventy-four percent (25/34) of patients reported turtle exposure in the week before illness onset, and 84% (16/19) specified exposure to small turtles. The outbreak strain was isolated from samples collected from a Pennsylvania patient's small turtle tank. Two patients reported purchasing their small turtles from pet stores. Salmonella Braenderup was isolated from samples collected from small turtles and their habitat at one of these stores; however, at that time, this strain was not associated with any human illnesses. This investigation was notable because of the documented sale of small turtles from several pet stores combined with the identification of a single small turtle supplier to these pet stores. The high proportion of children involved in this outbreak highlights the continued need to educate the pet industry as well as parents and caregivers about the risk of turtle-associated salmonellosis especially in children. Understanding and addressing the persisting challenges related to the illegal sale and distribution of small turtles could reduce the burden of turtle-associated salmonellosis.

Methods of involving minors in the illegal production, manufacture, acquisition, storage, transportation, forwarding or sale of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances or their analogues

The article examines in detail the methods of involving minors in illegal production, manufacture, acquisition, storage, transportation, forwarding or sale of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances or their analogues, as an element of the forensic characteristics of the specified criminal offense. The provisions of Article 2 were analyzed 307 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, which provides for illegal production, manufacture, acquisition, storage, transportation or forwarding for the purpose of sale, as well as illegal sale of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances or their analogues committed with the involvement of a minor.&#x0D; Attention is drawn to the fact that all the variety of ways of involving a minor in illegal activities can be combined into two main groups: related and unrelated to the use of violence or the threat of its use. The most common non-violent methods of committing are revealed, which include: a promise, deception, clarification, offer, persuasion, a personal example of the contortionist, etc. The results of the study of the materials of criminal proceedings show that about 88 % of involvements were committed by offering, persuading, explaining, requesting and persuading to commit a criminal offense.&#x0D; The most common non-violent way of involving minors in illegal activities is an offer to commit a criminal offense. However, attention is drawn to the fact that the establishment of only one proposal by an adult to commit a criminal offense is not always sufficient to recognize it as a method of entrapment.&#x0D; Separate attention is paid to preparatory actions regarding the involvement of a minor in committing the actions provided for in Art. 307 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. Such actions are diverse, but the following should be considered the most common: 1) search for children, before committing illegal actions, their selection, manifestation of friendly relations (70% of criminal proceedings); 2) creating a vested interest (ease of earning, raising authority) in a minor in illegal activities with drugs (67%); 3) facilitating the behavior of a minor in which he loses the ability to control his actions (drinking alcoholic beverages, using narcotics, psychotropic substances), which creates psychological and physical dependence (60%); 4) familiarization of minors with the methods of committing, distribution of roles between accomplices, planning to hide traces of a criminal offense (52%).

Social Innovation of PT. Pertamina EP Pendopo Field for Conservation the Protected Orchid Plants in Selangit Village, Musi Rawas Regency

A rescue program was made to save orchid plants in Selangit Village by initiating and involving the community. This activity began in 2017 and now, more than 250 species of orchid plants have been successfully rescued. The decline of some species of orchid plants are due to many factors, such as the endemic nature, forest fire, illegal logging, and illegal sales by collector can be an accelerator of their extinction. This activity can be a trigger to increase insight and ideas for the government and local community in developing natural areas. Working together between PT. Pertamina EP Pendopo Field and South Sumatera Natural Resources Conservation Center to build the Selangit Greenhouse aims to save orchid plants and can be an education facility for educators and learners. Next, this program advised to development of tourist village destinations by increasing training and promotion activities of flora tourism activities, and can be sustainable social activity in rescuing orchids and rare plants in Selangit village.

The practical norms of land governance in Senegalese communes. Institutional incompleteness, politicisation, semi-formality and bricolage

The decentralisation of land administration is often presented as a condition for 'good land governance'. In Senegal, the 1964 law on the national domain places rural land within the national domain, under the responsibility of the communes. They can allocate use rights to residents, provided that they personally cultivate the plot. All land transactions are prohibited. These principles, which stem from the 'African socialism' of independence, are in conflict with the political stakes of land tenure, the development of commercial transactions and agribusiness, and intense land speculation, particularly on the fringes of the Dakar metropolis.Based on in-depth surveys conducted in six communes on the outskirts of Dakar (the capital) and Saint-Louis, this article reveals the administrative practices and routines, often far removed from the rule, that constitute communal land governance in action. Favoured by lasting legal loopholes, a set of semi-legal or even illegal practices have become widespread, through successive bricolage, on the part of elected officials and communal administrations as well as by the land administration. To varying degrees depending on the socio-economic and political contexts of the communes, they allow access to land for actors from outside the commune, and the legalisation of illegal sales, while at the same time favouring the clientelist consolidation of the power of elected officials and their enrichment. This politicised governance of land is tolerated by the central government, which also uses the law to serve its political allies and promote its own projects.