Procedures for Investigating Professional Misconduct by Medical or Pharmaceutical Professionals in the Field of Drug Control
Author(s): Serhii Vitvitskyi*, Valerii Kosse, Olha Kovalova, Viktor Bardachov, Yaroslav Lisoivan
Abstract
Aim: The article examines the peculiarities of the methodology for investigating criminal offenses related to the improper performance of professional duties by medical and pharmaceutical workers in the field of trafficking in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, and precursors.
Methods: The methodological basis of the study of the methodology for investigating improper performance of professional duties by medical and pharmaceutical workers in the field of countering drugs is a set of general scientific and special legal methods of cognition, the application of which provides a comprehensive and objective study of the relevant legal and forensic phenomena. The basic method in the study is the dialectical method, which allows us to consider the processes of drug trafficking and their legal regulation in development, interconnection and interdependence with other social phenomena. Its use made it possible to identify contradictions between regulatory requirements and the practice of their implementation, as well as to establish trends in the transformation of offenses in this area.
Results: The methodology for investigating such offenses involves a phased organization of the investigator’s activities. At the initial stage, information is entered into the unified register of pre-trial investigations, the scene of the incident is inspected, documentation is seized, applicants and responsible persons are questioned, and primary examinations are ordered. At the main stage, a detailed analysis of accounting documentation is carried out, an inventory of narcotics is taken, medical personnel are questioned, and if necessary, covert investigative (search) actions are carried out and access is gained to electronic accounting systems. The f inal stage involves summarizing the collected evidence, conducting additional expert studies, notifying the person of suspicion, and sending the indictment to the court.
Conclusion: The methodology for investigating misconduct by medical and pharmaceutical professionals in the field of drug trafficking is complex and requires a combination of forensic, medical, and pharmaceutical knowledge. The effectiveness of the investigation depends on the timely collection of evidence, proper interaction between agencies, and the use of modern digital tools.