Legal regulation of counteraction and investigation of crimes committed by organized criminal groups in the field of drug trafficking

Aim: The paper’s goal is to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the features of legal governance with regard to the prevention of illegal drug trafficking and the investigation of crimes committed by organized crime groups in the field of drug distribution. Methods: The research’s methodological basis consists of a variety of general scientific and specialized legal procedures that ensure the methodical and unbiased scholarly examination of problems in the fight against drug-related offenses. In particular, the method of summarizing enforcement agencies’ experience was used to identify the most common ways of committing crimes in this area, such as the use of digital currencies, dedicated telegram channels, and “dead drops,” and to identify difficult aspects of carrying out covert investigative (search) operations. The legal structuring approach was used to formulate recommendations for improving current legislation, especially with regard to legislative control over the use of electronic evidence, expanding the scope of international cooperation between law enforcement agencies, and strengthening systems for fiscal oversight of profits from the distribution of illegal drugs. Results: The report offers a thorough analysis of the legal principles of preventing the illegal transportation of psychoactive substances, prohibited substances, and precursor chemicals, as well as the unique features of investigating crimes carried out by organized crime groups in this industry. In addition to the requirements of Ukrainian criminal, criminal procedural, and particular legislation, the provisions of international legal documents concerning drug crime suppression are analyzed. The main challenges in the actual implementation of covert investigative (search) techniques, the barriers to international cooperation between law enforcement agencies, and the subtleties of proving the activities of organized crime groups in criminal processes are acknowledged. Conclusion: It is stated that laws and their execution strategies need to be improved in light of current challenges, particularly the martial law climate and the widespread use of technological devices in criminal activities. A collection of standards from criminal, procedural, and international agreements form the basis of the regulatory framework used by organized criminal units to stop the supply of illegal drugs. However, the growth of cross-border drug trafficking trends, the digitalization of illicit schemes, and contemporary security threats call for ongoing improvements to legislative tools and an increase in the effectiveness of law enforcement initiatives