An Application of Conspiracy and Confiscation Measures in Drug Trafficking Suppression

Abstract

This research article examines the situations, problems, and obstacles in drug suppression as well as the factors affecting the compliance with the drug suppression policy in the prosecution of conspiracy offences, the confiscation, and asset valuation with the determination of an appropriate approach to the implementation of the drug suppression policy. The technique of mixed-methods research was employed. Combining qualitative and quantitative research. Qualitative data was collected through in-depth interviews was conducted with twenty-seven key informants and analyzed using content analysis. Quantitative data was collected through questionnaires was used with 400 subjects and analyzed using descriptive statistics and stepwise multiple regression. Findings are as follows: (1) The government has determined drug situations as a national agenda with the plan for the prevention, suppression, and solving drug problems. The years 2023 to 2027 are the framework in policy mobilization. The “conspiracy measures”and the “confiscation measures and asset valuation” are the principal instruments in drug suppression. The policy is evident under the support from both the public and private agencies. However, there are limitations in the aspects of the justice process structure, complexities of the administration mechanisms, knowledge and clear operational guidelines, technology, budget, an integration of information and systematic cooperation between the agencies, as well as the evaluation of the policy results with the focus more on the quantity rather than the consideration of the structural effects on the drug networks in a long-term manner. Moreover, the motivation for the practitioners cannot stimulate the operations of the officers as it should have been. (2) The factors influencing the compliance to the policy in a significant manner are as follows: resource allocation, complexities in the administration, sources of the policies, and policy support. The factors that should have an influence but found to be “insignificant” (failure) are the following:  motivation for practitioners, and the policy lacking clarity at the operational level. (3) The focus should be on the development of the personnel’s potential, the improvement of technology and the connecting database system used in the investigation. The law should be amended and the rules and regulations should be improved to keep pace with modern crime.