Forensic specialist and expert as mandatory participants in the investigation of illicit drug trafficking

Introduction: this article discusses the roles of a forensic specialist and an expert in the detection and investigation of illicit drug trafficking. The need to involve a forensic specialist in the examination of the scene is explained, as well as the results of the most frequent inspections with the mandatory involvement of a team of specialists (expert group) for prompt inspection in order to detect, fix, seize and package all forensically significant information are explained. Materials and Methods: the empirical base of the study was the results of the survey on specially designed questionnaires of 402 respondents (employees of departments of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia). The methodological basis of the study was the general dialectical method of scientific cognition, methods of logical deduction, induction, cognitive methods and techniques of observation, comparison, analysis, synthesis and description. Results of the Study: the role of a forensic specialist and expert in the investigation of illicit drug trafficking, the effectiveness and results of attracting a forensic specialist (group of specialists) for rapid and high-quality inspection of the scene have been shown. Findings and Conclusions: mandatory participation of a forensic specialist and an expert will ensure prompt, competent and complete investigation of illicit drug trafficking.