Possession of Drugs in International Law
In international law, the production, trade and use of narcotics are regulated by the United Nations (UN). The UN’s Commission on the Fight Against Narcotics is working to establish international cooperation and standards on this issue. However, in addition to the general principles set forth in international agreements, each country has different regulations regarding drug crimes in its own domestic law.
Legal Approaches in Different Countries
• United States: In the US, possession of narcotics is considered a crime at the federal and state levels. Penalties are determined by factors such as the type and amount of the substance possessed and the person’s previous criminal record. Some states adopt treatment-oriented approaches to people with drug addiction.
• European Union Countries: Although drug policies in EU member states vary among countries, a treatment-oriented approach is generally adopted. In many countries, possession of small amounts of narcotics may result in administrative fines instead of criminal sanctions.
• Turkey: In Turkey, possession of narcotics is regulated in the Turkish Penal Code. Penalties are determined by factors such as the type of substance, the amount, and the person’s previous criminal record. In recent years, studies have been conducted on the treatment and social rehabilitation of drug addicts. • Asian Countries: Penalties for drug crimes in Asian countries vary greatly from country to country. In some countries, even the death penalty can be applied. However, in recent years, many Asian countries have begun to adopt treatment-oriented approaches to combating drug addiction.