Research Article: Journal of Drug and Alcohol Research (2025) Volume 14, Issue 7
Tactical actions of police officers in the fight against drug offenses as a direct route to information and national security: Administrative and criminal legal aspects
Ruslan Kushnirenko1*, Yurii Kitsul2, Valentyn Tulinov3, Oleksandr Karpenko4 and Dmytro Chernolutskyi52Department of Administrative and Legal Disciplines, Faculty of Training Specialists for Preventive Activities Units of the National Police of Ukraine, Donetsk State University of Internal Affairs, Kropyvnytskyi, Ukraine
33Educational and Scientific Institute for Training Specialists for Criminal Police Units named after, Donetsk State University of Internal Affairs, Kropyvnytskyi, Ukraine
4Firearms Training Department, and Scientific Institute for Training Specialists for Criminal Police Units named after E.O. Dydorenko, Donetsk State University of Internal Affairs, Kropyvnytskyi, Ukraine
5Department of Tactical and Special Training, Faculty of Training Specialists for Preventive Activities Units of the National Police of Ukraine, Donetsk State University of Internal Affairs, Kropyvnytskyi, Ukraine
Ruslan Kushnirenko, Department of Tactical and Special Training, Educational and Scientific Institute for Training Specialists for Preventive Activities Units of the National Police of Ukraine, Dnipro State University of Internal Affairs, Dnipro, Ukraine, Email: rulentin@gmail.com
Received: 23-Oct-2025, Manuscript No. JDAR-25-172192; Editor assigned: 27-Oct-2025, Pre QC No. JDAR-25-172192 (PQ); Reviewed: 10-Nov-2025, QC No. JDAR-25-172192; Revised: 17-Nov-2025, Manuscript No. JDAR-25-172192 (R); Published: 24-Nov-2025, DOI: 10.4303/JDAR/236458
Abstract
Aim: The article examines the peculiarities of tactical actions of police officers of the National Police of Ukraine in the fight against drug offenses in the context of information security and national security of the state. Methods: The methodological basis of the study is a systematic, comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to the analysis of the activities of police officers in the field of drug offense prevention, which combines the provisions of administrative, criminal, information law and the theory of national security. A set of general scientific and special legal methods was applied, which ensured a comprehensive disclosure of the topic. Results: The study found that the tactical actions of police officers in the f ield of preventing drug offenses are a multi-component system, within which administrative-legal, criminal-legal and information-analytical mechanisms are combined. The regulatory framework regulating the activities of the national police of Ukraine in the field of combating illicit drug trafficking was analyzed. In particular, it was determined that the main regulatory acts are the law of Ukraine “on the national police”, the criminal code of Ukraine, the code of Ukraine on administrative ofenses, as well as international UN conventions on drug control. It was established that the administrative-legal aspect of police tactics is implemented through a system of preventive, monitoring and preventive measures aimed at preventing illicit drug trafficking. The effectiveness of such actions increases if the police establish a partnership with the public, educational institutions and local communities. It is proven that the criminal-legal aspect of tactical actions covers a complex of operational-search measures and procedural actions aimed at documenting criminal activity, identifying drug distribution channels and bringing the guilty to justice. The use of modern digital technologies is of particular importance-monitoring Internet resources, analyzing cryptocurrency transactions and digital evidence. Conclusion: Tactical actions of police officers in preventing drug offenses are a comprehensive tool for ensuring information and national security. The combination of administrative and criminal law approaches allows for an effective response to the challenges of the modern drug market. Further development of digital monitoring tools, analytical technologies and international cooperation should become a strategic priority in countering drug threats. It was found that information security is a key condition for the effectiveness of law enforcement activities in combating drug crime. The use of analytical monitoring systems, databases, predictive models and artificial intelligence allows not only to promptly identify threats, but also to predict trends in the development of the drug market. As a result of the analysis, it was found that increasing the effectiveness of preventing drug offenses is possible by improving legislative regulation, strengthening the analytical capacity of the police, digitalizing the processes of documenting crimes and developing international cooperation within the framework of UN, EU and Interpol programs. Based on the generalization of scientific positions and practical experience, it has been proven that tactical police actions are an integral part of the national security system of Ukraine, since they are aimed not only at combating crime, but also at protecting society from informational, social and demographic threats associated with the spread of drugs.
Keywords
Police, Drug offenses; Information security; National security; Tactical actions; Administrative law; Criminal law
Abbreviations
UNDC: United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime; EUROPOL: European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation; International Criminal Police Organization; CIB: Criminal Intelligence Branch
Introduction
The current stage of development of Ukrainian society is characterized by the exacerbation of problems related to the illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors. This area of crime is complex, systemic and transnational in nature, which poses a serious threat to the national, public and information security of the state. The spread of narcotic drugs not only undermines the health of the population, but also contributes to the formation of a criminal environment, the development of organized criminal groups, the growth of corruption risks and the emergence of new channels of illicit enrichment.
In these conditions, the activities of the national police of Ukraine, in particular its tactical actions aimed at preventing and combating drug offenses, acquire special importance. The tactics of police work in this area include a combination of administrative-legal, criminal-legal, operational-search, preventive and information-analytical measures, which are implemented taking into account modern challenges to state security [1].
The issue of the effectiveness of police activities in the fight against drug crime is multidimensional. It covers issues of legal regulation, management organization, use of digital technologies, information interaction between law enforcement agencies, as well as international coordination in the field of drug trafficking control. An integral part of this activity is information security - ensuring the confidentiality, reliability and protection of data used in the process of operational-search and investigative actions.
The relevance of the topic is determined by the fact that tactical actions of police officers in the fight against drug offenses are not only an element of criminal justice, but also an important tool for implementing state policy in the field of national and information security. It is the effectiveness of these actions that determines the state’s ability to counteract the threats of drug addiction, illicit drug trafficking, cybercrime and international drug trafficking [2].
Despite the presence of a significant number of studies in the field of administrative and criminal law, the issue of tactical organization of police activities in terms of ensuring information and national security requires further comprehensive study [1,3-6]. This especially applies to the integration of legal, organizational and technological mechanisms into a single system for preventing drug crime [7].
The purpose of the article is to study the administrative-legal and criminal-legal aspects of tactical actions of police officers during the prevention of drug offenses in the context of ensuring information and national security of Ukraine.
The scientific novelty of the study lies in the comprehensive approach to considering tactical actions of the police not only as a component of law enforcement activities, but also as an element of the information and national security system, which reflects the integration of legal and technological tools in the modern model of state security.
Despite the presence of a significant number of studies in the field of administrative and criminal law, the issue of tactical organization of police activities in terms of ensuring information and national security requires further comprehensive study [1,3-6]. This especially applies to the integration of legal, organizational and technological mechanisms into a single system for preventing drug crime. The purpose of the article is to study the administrative-legal and criminal-legal aspects of tactical actions of police officers during the prevention of drug offenses in the context of ensuring information and national security of Ukraine.
Methods
The methodological basis of the study is a complex of general scientific and special legal methods, the methodological basis of the study is a systematic, comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to the analysis of the activities of police officers in the field of drug crime prevention, which combines the provisions of administrative, criminal, information law and the theory of national security.
A set of general scientific and special legal methods was applied, which ensured a comprehensive disclosure of the topic:
The dialectical method: Used to clarify the relationship between the administrative-legal and criminal-legal aspects of police activities in the field of countering drug crime, as well as to analyze the dynamics of the development of tactical forms of police activity.
The system-structural method: Allowed us to consider the tactical actions of police officers as an element of a comprehensive system for ensuring national and information security, in which police bodies, prosecutor’s offices, courts, local government bodies and public institutions interact.
Comparative legal method: Applied to study foreign experience (EU countries, USA, Canada) in the field of drug crime prevention, in order to determine the possibilities of its implementation in the Ukrainian legal field.
Formal legal method: Used to analyze the current legislation of Ukraine (criminal code, code of Ukraine on administrative offenses, laws “on the national police”, “On the basic principles of ensuring cybersecurity of Ukraine”) and by-laws of the ministry of internal affairs that regulate the tactical actions of law enforcement officers [8].
Logical legal method: Provided the opportunity to systematize the features, concepts and classification criteria of tactical actions of the police during the prevention of drug crimes, as well as to formulate scientific generalizations and conclusions.
Sociological method: Used to analyze statistical data of the ministry of internal affairs of Ukraine, reports of EUROPOL, UNODC and INTERPOL on trends in the field of drug crime, as well as to identify the main areas of improvement of interagency cooperation and preventive activities.
Content analysis method: Used when studying official reports, strategic documents, publications in the media and scientific works related to the tactics of law enforcement and information security.
Prognostic method: Used to substantiate the prospects for the development of police tactics using digital technologies, analytical platforms and artificial intelligence tools in the context of increasing the level of national security.
Thus, the applied methodology ensured the scientific validity of the results obtained, made it possible to comprehensively study the subject of the work and develop practical recommendations for improving police tactical actions in the field of drug offense prevention.
Results and Discussion
Administrative and legal principles of preventing drug offenses. The administrative and legal aspect of police activities in the field of combating drug offenses is determined by the law of Ukraine “on the national police”, the code of Ukraine on administrative offenses and relevant by-laws of the ministry of internal affairs [8].
Tactical actions of police officers in the field of drug offense prevention constitute a system of organizational and legal, operational, information and analytical and preventive measures aimed at identifying, localizing and eliminating the causes and conditions that contribute to the illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors. Their essence lies in the combination of administrative and legal and criminal legal mechanisms of influence, as well as the application of modern methods of analytics, digital technologies and interagency coordination.
Tactical actions of the police include the following key areas:
Prevention of drug crime: It involves monitoring risk groups of the population (persons prone to using or selling narcotic substances), conducting information and educational campaigns aimed at forming a negative attitude towards drugs, as well as cooperation with educational institutions, social services, and health care institutions. Effective preventive activities involve the use of digital communication platforms, social networks, and interactive projects that ensure timely information to young people about the dangers of drugs and the legal consequences of their use.
Detection of administrative offenses in the field of drug trafficking: Police officers carry out administrative supervision over compliance with the rules for the storage, use, and transportation of narcotic substances, as well as record facts of illegal storage without the purpose of sale or violation of established rules of circulation. Such actions are an important link in the system of preventing more serious crimes, as they allow for the detection of early signs of criminal activity and the timely application of preventive measures.
Information and analytical support for police activities: This area covers the collection, accumulation, processing, analysis, and forecasting of data on trends in the field of drug trafficking, the structure of criminal groups, supply channels, new synthetic substances, and means of distribution. The use of analytical platforms, artificial intelligence and risk analysis systems allows the police to predict threats, identify the most dangerous regions and effectively distribute forces and resources.
Information and analytical activities of the police are closely related to information security, as they involve working with large volumes of personal and official data that require protection from unauthorized access, leakage or falsification.
Thus, tactical actions of the police are a dynamic process that combines administrative prevention and criminal-legal counteraction to drug crime. They are implemented through a system of managerial, operational and analytical measures aimed at increasing the level of security of citizens and strengthening the information and national security of the state.
An important trend of the current stage is the digitalization of police activities: The use of ministry of internal affairs databases, integration with international information networks (INTERPOL, EUROPOL), the use of cybermonitoring tools, analysis of network activity and financial flows related to illicit drug trafficking [9].
Tactical actions of police officers in the field of countering illicit drug trafficking constitute a set of measures of an organizational, legal, analytical and technological nature aimed at the timely detection, prevention and cessation of drug offenses. Their essence lies in the combination of traditional methods of police activity with innovative digital tools for monitoring and analyzing information.
In today’s conditions of globalization and informatization of crime, an important element of tactical actions is the use of digital platforms for monitoring social networks, messengers, online marketplaces and DarkNet segments, which allows for timely detection of drug sales schemes, supply channels, financial flows and participants in criminal networks. The use of such technologies provides the police with the ability to respond promptly to cyber threats, collect evidence and document illegal activities using digital traces [3].
Offenses lies in the systematic combination of preventive, administrative-legal, criminal-legal and information-analytical measures. They are aimed not only at identifying offenders, but also at protecting the state’s information space, which directly affects the level of national security of Ukraine [10].
Criminal law aspect of police activities in preventing drug crimes: The criminal code of Ukraine establishes liability for the illegal production, storage, transportation, transfer or sale of narcotic drugs (Articles 305-320 of the criminal code of Ukraine) [5].
Tactical actions of the police in this area include: Conducting operational and investigative measures; controlled procurement and documentation of criminal activity; cooperation with international structures (maintain uniformity, UNODC) to combat transnational drug cartels; use of analytical centers and databases on criminal risks. Criminal-legal tactics also include the formation of an evidence base using digital forensics and data analysis from mobile devices and the Internet [11].
The criminal-legal aspect of police activities in the field of drug crime prevention consists in the implementation of the state’s functions in protecting public relations that ensure public health, public safety and law and order, through the application of criminal-legal measures. Such activities are aimed at identifying, documenting, stopping and investigating acts that have the characteristics of crimes stipulated by Section XIII of the criminal code of Ukraine—“crimes in the field of trafficking in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, their analogues or precursors and other crimes against public health” [12].
The key components of the criminal-legal aspect are:
Identification of the elements of the crime and qualification of the act: Police officers identify unlawful behavior that may be qualified under Articles 305-320 of the criminal code of Ukraine, in particular, illegal production, manufacture, acquisition, storage, transportation, shipment or sale of narcotic drugs (Article 307 of the criminal code), as well as the organization of places for illegal drug use (Article 317 of the criminal code). Determining the correct qualification ensures the legal validity of bringing the guilty persons to criminal liability [13].
Providing an evidentiary base: An important component of the criminal law activities of the police is the collection, recording, verification and evaluation of evidence obtained during operational and search measures, investigative (search) actions and covert actions. The use of digital evidence—information from electronic devices, network resources and video surveillance systems, which can confirm the fact of the sale or organization of drug trafficking, is of particular importance.
Application of preventive criminal law measures: The police play an active role in preventing the commission of crimes through the early identification of persons prone to drug activity, conducting preventive conversations, informing about criminal liability and the consequences of participation in illegal trafficking. Such measures are consistent with the principle of the inevitability of punishment and the provisions of Article 11 of the criminal code of Ukraine, which defines the concept of a crime and the degree of its social danger.
Interdepartmental and international interaction: Criminal law activities of the police are carried out in close cooperation with the prosecutor’s office, the security service of Ukraine, the border guard service, customs authorities, as well as within the framework of cooperation with INTERPOL, EUROPOL and other international structures. This allows us to effectively combat transnational drug trafficking networks, track international supply channels and financial schemes for the legalization of proceeds from crime [14].
Protection of human rights in criminal law activities: An important feature of the modern criminal law aspect is compliance with the principles of the rule of law, humanism and proportionality. Police actions must be carried out within the framework of procedural norms defined by the criminal procedure code of Ukraine, which guarantees the legality of evidence collection, respect for the privacy of the individual and prevention of violations of the rights of suspects.
Thus, the criminal-legal aspect of police activities in preventing drug crimes is a systemic component of the state’s criminal policy, which combines repressive and preventive elements aimed at reducing the level of drug crime, protecting the health of citizens, and ensuring the national security of Ukraine.
Information security as a component of countering drug crimes
Information security in the context of drug crime prevention includes a set of measures aimed at protecting information resources of law enforcement agencies, preventing leaks of operational data, and countering cyberattacks by criminal groups [15].
Tactical interaction between cyber police units, the drug crime department, and analytical services of the ministry of internal affairs contributes to the formation of a preventive digital security system, which is an integral element of Ukraine’s national security [16].
Information security is an integral part of the system for combating drug offenses, since the effectiveness of law enforcement agencies in this area directly depends on the completeness, reliability and security of information used to make managerial, analytical and operational decisions. In the context of combating drug crime, information security acts not only as a technical or cybernetic component, but as a set of legal, organizational and technological measures aimed at protecting the state’s information environment from internal and external threats [17].
The basis of regulatory regulation in this area is the law of Ukraine “on information”, the law of Ukraine “on the basic principles of ensuring cybersecurity of Ukraine”, the law of Ukraine “on the national police”, as well as the national security strategy of Ukraine, which defines the information space as an important element of state stability [18].
In police activities, ensuring information security provides for: Protection of operational and official information. The collection, transmission and storage of information about criminal groups, drug supply channels, sales schemes and financial transactions require reliable protection from unauthorized access. The use of secure databases, encrypted communication channels, access control systems minimizes the risks of information leakage that can be used by criminal structures [19].
Information and analytical activities: Information security involves the creation and support of unified analytical systems that allow monitoring the drug situation, analyzing crime dynamics, and assessing the effectiveness of countermeasures. Such systems are integrated with the databases of the ministry of internal affairs, the security service of Ukraine, the state border guard service of Ukraine, as well as with the international networks INTERPOL and EUROPOL, which makes it possible to track transnational channels of illegal drug [20].
Monitoring cyberspace: In modern conditions, a significant part of illegal drug transactions is carried out via Internet platforms, messengers, social networks and DarkNet. Therefore, an important area of information security is the implementation of digital monitoring, the use of artificial intelligence tools, OSINT (Open-Source Intelligence Technologies) and automated systems for tracking cybercriminal activity. This makes it possible to identify “online drug markets”, cryptocurrency payment schemes, digital sales channels and communication of members of criminal groups [21].
Information and psychological countermeasures: One aspect of information security is the neutralization of the destructive impact of information campaigns that popularize the drug subculture. The police, together with educational institutions, media and public organizations, implement communication strategies aimed at forming legal awareness, increasing the level of trust in law enforcement agencies and preventing the involvement of young people in illegal drug trafficking [22].
Thus, information security in the field of combating drug offenses is a comprehensive system of legal, technical and organizational measures that ensure the protection of police information resources, the security of crime data, the timely detection of information threats and the counteraction to manipulative influence in the information space. It is an important element of the national security of Ukraine, because without effective information protection it is impossible to guarantee the effectiveness of police activities in the fight against drug crime [22].
Interaction of administrative and criminal law mechanisms
The synergy of administrative and criminal law measures consists in combining prevention and repression. Administrative actions of the police form the basis for early detection of risk factors, while criminal law actions provide punishment and deterrence of offenders.
Effective implementation of these mechanisms requires: Increasing the level of qualification of police officers; improving information and communication interaction between law enforcement agencies; implementing intelligent data analysis systems for predicting drug crimes [23].
Interaction of administrative and criminal law mechanisms in combating drug offenses
Effective fight against drug offenses is impossible without systematic interaction of administrative and criminal law mechanisms, since each of them performs complementary functions in ensuring public safety. Such interaction provides a comprehensive approach to crime prevention, timely response to offenses and effective prosecution [24].
The administrative and legal mechanism is aimed at prevention and preventive response. It includes: Detection of violations of the rules for storing and using narcotic drugs without the purpose of sale (Articles 44-46 of the Code of Administrative Offenses); conducting information and educational campaigns and preventive measures among the population; monitoring the activities of educational, health care and cultural institutions regarding compliance with norms that prevent the spread of drugs [25].
Administrative liability prevents the formation of criminal schemes, allows you to identify risk groups and respond promptly to the first signs of offenses.
The criminal law mechanism is implemented through operational search measures, investigative actions and bringing to criminal liability persons who commit serious crimes in the field of drug trafficking (Articles 305-320 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine) [26].
The main functions of this mechanism: Documenting criminal activity and collecting evidence; prosecuting organized drug groups; applying criminal law sanctions to deter and restore law and order; using analytical and digital systems to predict risks and identify new crime schemes [6].
The synergy of the two mechanisms is ensured through: Exchange of information between police units, the prosecutor’s office, local authorities and public structures; comprehensive analysis of data on offenses and risk groups, which allows you to determine priority areas of prevention and investigation; consistency of actions at different levels — from prevention of offenses to criminal prosecution, which increases the effectiveness of police activities.
An example of interaction: A person found in possession of a narcotic substance without the purpose of sale is subject to administrative action (fine or confiscation), and in case of a repeated or serious offense — criminal prosecution (Article 307 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine). In parallel, an analysis of social ties and a digital trace is carried out, which allows identifying other possible criminal chains [27].
Thus, the interaction of administrative and criminal legal mechanisms creates a single legal system for combating drug offenses, where preventive measures ensure a reduction in the risk of crime, and criminal legal measures ensure a timely response and punishment of the perpetrators. Such an integrated approach increases the effectiveness of police activities, contributes to the protection of public and national security, and creates the prerequisites for stabilizing the social situation in the state [28] (Table 1).
The table shows that police activities in the field of countering drug offenses in wartime are implemented through the systemic integration of preventive, operational, analytical and coordination measures. Each area of action (prevention, detection of offenses, information and analytical support, interagency interaction, observance of human rights) covers both administrative and legal and criminal legal mechanisms, which ensures a combination of preventive and repressive influence [29].
Administrative and legal mechanisms: They are aimed at early detection of offenses, monitoring compliance with drug trafficking rules and prevention of repeated violations. For example, preventive measures and monitoring of risk groups allow the police to prevent crimes at the initial stages, and drawing up protocols and applying penalties contributes to the formation of legal awareness among the population.
Criminal legal mechanisms: They are implemented through operational-search and investigative actions aimed at detecting serious crimes, documenting evidence and bringing the perpetrators to criminal responsibility. For example, identifying violations under Articles 305-320 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine allows for the elimination of organized drug distribution channels, which is critically important during martial law [30].
Information and national security: The table clearly demonstrates that tactical police actions contribute to the protection of the information space and national security. Digital monitoring of social networks and DarkNet, analytical data processing and coordination with international organizations allow for the detection of cyber threats, financial schemes and destabilizing elements that can be used against the state during war [31].
| Direction of tactical actions | Measures and methods | Administrative and legal aspect | Criminal law aspect | Impact on information and national security |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prevention of drug crime | Monitoring of risk groups; information campaigns; cooperation with educational institutions and public organizations | Identification of violations of the rules of storage and circulation without the purpose of sale; preparation of protocols Prevention of repeated violations through warnings and recommendations |
Increasing the legal awareness of the population; preventing the emergence of subversive and destructive elements in society during war | |
| Identification and documentation of offenses | Inspections, operational measures, control of points of sale and circulation; patrols | Administrative response to violations of the rules of drug circulation (fines, confiscations) | Identification of crimes falling under Articles 305-320 of the criminal code of Ukraine; collection of evidence | Eliminating drug supply channels that can be used to destabilize and finance illegal groups |
| Information and analytical support | Collection, processing, analysis and forecasting of data on drug crimes; digital monitoring of social networks and DarkNet | Use of data for administrative control and prevention | Using analytics for operational planning of criminal investigations | Ensuring the protection of the information space, identifying cybersecurity threats and the digital criminal environment |
| Interdepartmental and international interaction | Cooperation with the Sluzhba Bezpeky Ukrayiny, border guard service, state border guard service, international organizations (INTERPOL, EUROPOL) | Coordination of administrative measures within the framework of the legislation | Exchange of data on serious and organized crimes | Ensuring national security through integration with international systems for combating drug crime |
| Protection of human rights and observance of the rule of law | Control over compliance with procedures during inspections, investigative actions and monitoring of the digital environment | Preventing the illegal application of administrative sanctions | Legality of evidence collection, compliance with procedural norms in criminal prosecution | Building public trust in law enforcement agencies and stabilizing the social situation during martial law |
Table 1: Tactical actions of police officers in the fight against drug offenses as a direct route to information and national security.
Interaction of administrative and criminal legal mechanisms: The table demonstrates the synergy of the two approaches: Administrative measures provide a preventive function, and criminal legal measures provide a repressive function. For example, a detected violation may be subject to administrative liability at an early stage, but if the situation is repeated or complicated, it may be subject to criminal prosecution. Such interaction ensures the continuity and effectiveness of police actions [32].
Features of activities in wartime: In martial law, the risk of using drugs to destabilize society or finance illegal groups increases. The table shows that the police are adapting their tactical actions, emphasizing the importance of protecting the information space, monitoring the cyber environment, and interagency cooperation. This allows for increased state stability and citizen security [33].
In wartime, the fight against drug crime takes on additional importance: Drug trafficking undermines physical security (increasing crime, degradation of communities), information security (using the drug problem for disinformation, recruitment) and national stability (undermining morale, corruption risks). Therefore, tactical police actions must be adapted to the conditions of hostilities, moving borders, internally displaced persons and growing hybrid threats.
Features of the operational situation in wartime: Broken supply chains, changing transportation channels (including the use of humanitarian routes) — new risks for smuggling; growth of shadow economic operations, including drug trafficking, as a way to finance illegal groups; limited resources (personnel, fuel, equipment), prioritization of combat missions; risks for the civilian population and police officers (mine danger, shelling); increased role of cyberspace and social networks in disseminating information about “points” of sale or recruitment [34].
Intelligence and information collection: Data integration: Coordination with military formations, SBU, border guards and local communities; creation of short situational reports; priority for operational, counterintelligence and CIB intelligence on supply channels and virtual sales networks; use of local informants and surveillance taking into account the security of sources [35].
Operational measures and detention tactics: Small, mobile response teams that can act quickly and discreetly in a changed environment; night/morning raids taking into account mine and explosive risks; assess preliminary mining remotely; control of humanitarian/logistics corridors: Checking suspicious cargo in compliance with legal procedures; application of security measures for civilians — avoid large-scale searches in places where refugees are concentrated [4].
Prevention and low-risk operations: Information and educational campaigns targeting vulnerable groups (displaced persons, demobilized persons) about risks and assistance mechanisms; cooperation with volunteers and medical services for substitution/rehabilitation programs; monitoring social networks for sales, fakes, recruitment — rapid blocking of channels and informing the public [36].
Comprehensive, legal and coordinated police tactics in the fight against drug crime during wartime strengthen not only criminal control, but also information and national security. Key elements of success are interdepartmental coordination, protected information collection, adherence to procedural guarantees and adaptation of tactics to the changing realities of wartime.
Conclusion
Legal regulation in the field of combating drugs and alcohol use should combine repressive and social measures. Foreign experience proves that only a comprehensive policy—from prevention and restriction of access to rehabilitation and resocialization—can give positive results. For Ukraine, the use of comparative analysis is relevant to form a modern model that will meet international standards and national realities.
Counteracting drugs and alcohol abuse in modern conditions requires a comprehensive approach that combines repressive, preventive and medical and social measures. A one-sided focus only on punishment or only on liberalization does not provide effective control over the circulation of prohibited substances and does not reduce the social and medical consequences of addictions.
Analysis of foreign experience indicates the existence of three main models of counteraction: Repressive, liberal and mixed. The repressive model is characterized by strict punishment and control, the liberal one is characterized by an emphasis on minimizing harm and resocialization, and the mixed model provides a balance between public safety and the protection of human rights, combining punitive and preventive measures.
It is essential to adhere to the principles of balance of repressive and preventive measures, international cooperation, respect for human rights and preventive orientation. Their implementation allows reducing the negative social, criminal and medical impact of drugs and alcohol.
Areas for improvement include: Harmonization of national legislation with international standards, development of preventive and educational programs, expansion of the treatment and rehabilitation system, implementation of harm minimization programs, strengthening international cooperation and use of modern digital technologies to control the circulation of substances. The comprehensive implementation of these approaches will contribute to increasing the effectiveness of national policy in the field of combating drugs and alcoholism, ensuring a balance between public safety and human rights, as well as integrating Ukrainian mechanisms into the world practice of combating drug addiction and alcoholism of the population.
Acknowledgement
None.
Conflict of Interest
Authors have no conflict of interest to declare.
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