Abstract
The paper provides a legal and criminological analysis of crimes related to the illicit trafficking of drugs in Kazakhstan. Based on statistical data, regulatory legal acts, and academic research, the main trends in the development of this category of crime are examined. It is established that a significant proportion of offenses consists of acts not related to the sale of narcotic drugs; at the same time, the role of organized groups and digital channels for the distribution of prohibited substances is increasing. Particular attention is paid to distinguishing the elements of crimes provided for in Articles 296 and 297 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan, as well as to the problems of proving intent to sell and assessing digital evidence. The impact of subordinate regulatory acts, including lists of controlled substances and quantitative criteria for their determination, is analyzed. The importance of judicial clarifications for the uniform application of legislation is demonstrated. It is noted that improving the effectiveness of combating drug-related crime requires a combination of criminal law measures with preventive and rehabilitation activities, as well as consideration of new challenges associated with the digitalization of social relations.