The crime of trafficking in drug or stimulant regulated in the Turkish Penal Code

In the 3rd paragraph of Article 188 of the Turkish Penal Code, the crimes of drug or stimulant trafficking are included. Accordingly, adding or arranging, selling, offering, keeping, shipping, transporting, storing, purchasing, accepting or possessing without a license or in violation of a license is regulated as a crime. The use of drug or stimulant substances threatens public health and causes an increase in the rate of crime in society. The widespread use of drug or stimulant substances causes the increase in the trade of these substances. In order to prevent the spread of narcotic or stimulant substances in society, high penalties are foreseen for these crimes. The fact that drugs or stimulants are seen as profit for criminal organizations has made it necessary to fight against this crime internationally. In the first part our study, drug or stimulant substances and their effects are mentioned. International measures taken to fight against drug or stimulant crimes are also included. The danger that drug or stimulant substances pose to society has been demonstrated. International agreements signed within the scope of the fight against narcotic or stimulant substances are explained. In the second and third parts of our study, the crime of drug or stimulant trafficking is discussed in the context of the Turkish Penal Code. The opinions put forward in the doctrine on this issue and the decisions made by the high judicial authorities were examined. Thus, different views in doctrine and practice were revealed and discussed.