Evidence in criminal proceedings about organized groups and criminal organizations in the sphere of trafficking in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances or their analogues: concepts and types

The article emphasizes that today Ukraine faces numerous national challenges, such as war, globalization, pandemics, extremism and terrorism, environmental disasters and crime. One of the most acute problems is the illicit trafficking of drugs and psychotropic substances, as it contributes to the development of organized drug trafficking, which, in turn, leads to an increase in crime, violence and corruption. This problem affects people regardless of their social status, gender, religion or race. Current trends in the field of crime related to drugs and psychotropic substances indicate that it is taking on new forms and can lead to the emergence of criminal groups even at the level of pseudo-states. The author has defined the concept and types of evidence in criminal proceedings on organized groups and criminal organizations in the sphere of circulation of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances or their analogues. The opinion of scientists is supported that evidence in criminal proceedings on organized groups and criminal organizations in the sphere of circulation of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances or their analogues is factual data that is found, searched, identified, claimed, seized, checked and evaluated obtained in the prescribed manner. The main sources of evidence in criminal proceedings concerning the circulation and sale of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances or their analogues are material evidence, electronic evidence and expert opinions, which are both procedural sources of evidence and means of criminal procedural proof in pre-trial investigation. An important component of the pre-trial investigation in this category of criminal offenses is the seizure of objects of illegal circulation and their proper procedural registration in accordance with the requirements of the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine. It is noted that the totality of evidence collected in criminal proceedings and their careful assessment is the basis for forming appropriate conclusions and making procedural decisions. At the same time, errors made by the participants in the process during the analysis and assessment of evidence can lead to incorrect decisions and violation of the rights of the participants in criminal proceedings.