The operational-search measure «identification» as an effective tool in the fight against drug-related crime

The article examines some legal, organizational, and tactical features of the operational-search measure «identification of a person», carried out in order to combat the illegal trafficking of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, and their analogues. The most common forms of organizing and conducting the operational-search activity in question in modern conditions are studied, taking into account the development of information and communication technologies and the digitalization of the criminal environment. A distinction is made between the characteristics of personal identification in public and private spaces. A brief comparative analysis of aspects of direct and indirect (virtual) personal identification is presented. Some measures for improving the operational-search activity under consideration are proposed, which, in the author’s opinion, can contribute to increasing the effectiveness of operational-search activities to combat illegal drug trafficking.