NARCOTICS AND PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCES AS A THREAT TO LAW AND ORDER IN PENALTIES

Abstract

The authors provide a reasoned analysis of the presence of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances in penal institutions as a determinant of the commission of illegal acts by convicts and other persons. The authors come to the conclusion that the distribution of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances among convicts, as well as their use, is often the root cause of criminal offences, including violent ones, violations of the established procedure for serving sentences, acts of self-harm and suicide in penal institutions. Based on the results of the study, it was determined that despite isolation measures in penitentiary institutions, there are conditions that contribute to the formation of demand for drugs among convicts. This is mainly due to the high concentration of convicts with drug addiction, experience in the manufacture, use and distribution of drugs, as well as stable criminal ties outside the institution with individuals and criminal groups whose main activity is the distribution of drugs. The authors of the article draw attention to the fact that the possibility for convicts to use narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances while serving a sentence imposed by a court offsets the measures taken by the staff of penitentiary institutions aimed at their re-socialisation and integration into society, and creates conditions for criminal individuals to engage in the use and distribution of these substances by convicts who have not had such experience.