Publication date: 23.05.2024
The Verkhovna Rada Passed a Bill to Strengthen Accountability for Illegal Activities in the Sphere of Drug Trafficking During Martial Law
On May 22, the Verkhovna Rada passed in the first reading the draft law No. 10236 "On Amendments to the Criminal Code of Ukraine Regarding the Strengthening of Accountability for Illegal Activities in the Sphere of Circulation of Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances, Their Analogs, and Precursors During Martial Law." This draft law aims to strengthen law and order and ensure adequate accountability for violations in the sphere of drug circulation during times of martial law.
Objective of the Draft Law
The main goal of the draft law is to strengthen criminal accountability for various types of illegal activities related to narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, their analogs, and precursors. The proposed changes are aimed at providing more severe penalties for those engaged in this illegal activity, especially during martial law, when the country requires special internal stability and security.You may be interested in the following articles: Analysis, consultation, evaluation. legal analysis of the situation, lawyer's consultation, lawyer's consultation, analysis of documents, legal analysis of the situation, written consultation, verification of documents by a lawyer, lawyers' documents, lawyer's help online, lawyer online, legal opinion, legal opinion of a lawyer, lawyer online.
Main Provisions of the Draft Law
Illegal Production, Manufacturing, Acquisition, Storage, Transportation, or Sending of Precursors
The draft law proposes amendments to Article 311 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, which suggests establishing the lower limit of punishment in the form of a fine of up to five hundred non-taxable minimum incomes of citizens (up to UAH 8,500), as well as the maximum limit of punishment in the form of imprisonment for a term of seven to ten years with property confiscation.
Violation of Rules on the Circulation of Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances, Their Analogs, or Precursors
In accordance with the proposed changes to Article 320 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, the draft law provides for setting the lower limit of punishment in the form of a fine of up to five hundred non-taxable minimum incomes of citizens (up to UAH 8,500) and the upper limit of punishment in the form of imprisonment for a term of five to ten years with the deprivation of the right to hold certain positions or engage in certain activities for up to three years.
Criminal Liability for the Inaction of Law Enforcement Officials
The draft law also proposes to introduce a new Article 365-4 to the Criminal Code of Ukraine, which provides for criminal liability for the inaction of law enforcement officials or authorized persons in the sphere of drug circulation. Specifically, it is proposed to establish the lower limit of punishment in the form of imprisonment for a term of three to six years with the deprivation of the right to hold certain positions or engage in certain activities for up to three years. The maximum punishment under this article is imprisonment for a term of eight to fifteen years with the deprivation of the right to hold certain positions or engage in certain activities for up to three years and property confiscation.
Conclusion
The adoption of draft law No. 10236 is an important step in strengthening accountability for illegal activities in the sphere of drug trafficking, especially during martial law. This will help ensure an additional level of protection of public health and safety and enhance the effectiveness of the fight against drug-related crimes in Ukraine.
