The influence of information and telecommunication technologies on the illegal trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances: forensic analysis

Introduction: detection and investigation of crimes related to illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances is a complex process that includes many areas of knowledge. To date, the widespread use of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances is observed using information and telecommunication technologies, including the Internet. This is due to several factors: the availability of these resources, the anonymity that the Internet provides in many cases, and the ability to reach a large audience. Materials and Methods: the regulatory framework of the study was the Constitution of the Russian Federation; criminal, criminal procedural and operational-investigative legislation; other federal laws; acts of official interpretation of norms; by-laws. In addition, the methodological basis of the study was the general dialectical method of scientific cognition, general scientific methods of cognition and some particular scientific methods, including: questioning and interviewing, survey, generalization of investigative and judicial practice, literary and Internet sources. The Results of the Study: distribution of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances using information and telecommunication technologies has created new problems for law enforcement agencies and other officials who are combating their distribution. One of the main problems in preventing, detecting and investigating such criminal acts is the difficulty of identifying and tracking drug traffickers who use the Internet to conduct their business. Criminals can use encrypted communications and anonymous messaging apps to hide their identity, making them difficult for law enforcement to identify and track. In addition, there is the difficulty of intercepting and confiscating narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances that are distributed via the Internet, as criminals can use the postal service or other delivery services to distribute their products. Findings and Conclusions: the use of information and telecommunication technologies by criminals, including the Internet for illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, has a negative impact on the overall situation in the country and the world and shows that in recent years the growth of these crimes is obvious. Currently, there is an urgent need to address the problematic issues associated with the disclosure and investigation of such crimes, including the development of a strategy to destroy the networks of illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances and bring criminals to justice.