Abstract

Drug-related crimes are among the most dangerous offenses, posing direct threats to national security, social order and safety, and public health. This article examines and clarifies the legal provisions governing the offense of illegal use of narcotic substances, explains the circumstances under which drug users may be subject to criminal prosecution, and compares these provisions with the 2025 Law on Drug Prevention and Control. On this basis, the article proposes several recommendations for improving the provisions of the Penal Code concerning drug- related crimes in general and the offense of illegal use of narcotic substances in particular, thereby facilitating the consistent and effective application of the law in practice.

Keywords: Criminal prosecution, drug addiction treatment, drug-related crimes, illegal use of narcotic substances, Law on Drug Prevention and Control, Penal Code.