The Importance of Evidence in the Crime of Drug Trafficking

In the crime of drug trafficking, sufficient and reliable evidence is needed to prove the defendant’s guilt. The existence of the elements of the crime specified in the Turkish Penal Code must be demonstrated with this evidence. The court evaluates all the evidence collected and decides whether the defendant is guilty or not.

Evidence Acceptable in Court

Physical Evidence:
Drugs and equipment: The amount of drugs seized, their type and purity, scales used, packaging materials, etc. are important evidence.
Biological evidence such as fingerprints, DNA and footprints: Such evidence found at the crime scene or in seized items can connect the defendant to the crime.
Audio and visual recordings: Images or listening records showing the moments of storage, production or sale are important evidence.
Witness statements:
Secret witnesses: The statements of people who went to places where drug trafficking was carried out or witnessed these acts have an important place in court.
Electronic evidence:
Phone records, text messages, social media correspondence: Clues that the defendant is involved in drug trafficking can be found in this evidence.

Computer records: Research or calculations made regarding drug purchase and sale can be seen in this evidence.

What to Consider in Court?

Validity of evidence: The fact that the evidence was obtained in accordance with the law and its reliability is of great importance.
Support of evidence: The consistency of different types of evidence creates stronger evidence of the defendant’s guilt.
Interpretation of evidence: The court evaluates the collected evidence within the legal framework and reaches a conclusion.
Defense of the defendant: The defense presented by the defendant may affect the court’s decision.

Defense Strategies in Drug Trafficking Crimes

Claim of invalidity of evidence: It can be claimed that the evidence was obtained illegally or is not reliable.
Claim of misinterpretation of evidence: It can be argued that the evidence can be interpreted differently and the defendant can be shown to be innocent.
Alibi defense: It can be claimed that he was in a different place when the crime was committed.

Misidentification claim: It can be argued that the person shown as the defendant is not him.