Organizational and Legal Framework of Forensic Support for Combating Illicit Trafficking of Controlled Substances

Relevance. Effective counteraction to illicit trafficking of controlled substances requires appropriate forensic support and coordinated interagency cooperation. Under current conditions, the importance of harmonizing the national control system with European and international standards is steadily increasing. Purpose. The purpose of this study is to analyze the organizational and legal foundations of forensic support and interagency coordination in the field of combating illicit trafficking of controlled substances, as well as to identify directions for their further improvement. Methods. The study employs systemic, formal-legal, comparative-legal, and structural-functional research methods. An analysis of national legislation, international regulatory instruments, the operational practices of forensic institutions, and mechanisms of interagency cooperation was conducted. Results.The study establishes that forensic support constitutes a key element of the state system for controlling the circulation of controlled substances and ensures the scientific validity of the evidentiary basis. The legal and organizational foundations governing the activities of forensic institutions in Ukraine, the specific features of accredited laboratory operations, and the role of international quality standards and professional networks in ensuring the reliability of examination results were examined. European approaches to the organization of forensic activities were analyzed, and their significance for the development of the national system was determined. The findings demonstrate that the effectiveness of state control largely depends on the level of interagency coordination, information exchange, digitalization of monitoring processes, and the application of risk-based approaches. The necessity of strengthening analytical capacities, developing integrated information systems, and improving interaction mechanisms among authorized bodies is substantiated. Prospects for Further Research. Future research should focus on the study of interagency coordination models, the improvement of the distribution of powers among public authorities, and the development of integrated digital solutions for monitoring and controlling the circulation of controlled substances.