Forensic Examinations in Criminal Cases Related to Illicit Trafficking of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances

Abstract

The article deals with the general issues of conducting forensic examinations in the investigation of crimes related to illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. The general danger of such crimes is noted. The article considers the issue of applying special knowledge in the process of investigating criminal cases related to illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, the procedure for their conduct and the final result are outlined. The question of the types of examinations assigned for this category of cases, the purpose of their conduct, the need for an accurate definition of the name of the examination being conducted was raised. The conclusion about the need for the correct formulation of questions to the expert is made. The author notes that to date, the examination to determine the quantity and content of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances has not been attributed to the number of obligations listed in Article 196 of the Code of Criminal Procedure of the Russian Federation. It is concluded that it is necessary to make appropriate changes and include as mandatory a forensic examination, the purpose of which is to establish quantitative and qualitative signs of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, their analogues, as well as plants and their parts containing narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances. The article deals with the difficulties of choosing the types of expertise and raising questions for the expert’s permission, it is concluded that in such cases it is permissible to resort to the help of a specialist. The types of objects provided for examination and the order of their presentation are reviewed. The types of forensic examinations that should be appointed and conducted in most cases on this category crimes investigation are briefly considered.