Issue 2/2026 was published in early June. The next issue will be released on September 1, 2026.
Contents:
- Decontamination of Toxic Chemical Substances
- Serbia: The Situation Regarding the Illegal Trade in Narcotic and Psychotropic Substances
- Unauthorized Handling of Poppy Straw from the Perspective of National and International Law
- Poppy Straw as a Renewed Commodity in the Czech Republic
- Addictive Substances Behind the Wheel Through the Prism of Modern Legislation
- Interview with Colonel Jaroslav Rozsíval
Decontamination of Toxic Chemical Substances
Abstract: The paper describes the procedures for verifying the effectiveness of the decontamination of selected chemical warfare agents carried out at specialized workplaces of the State Institute for Nuclear, Chemical and Biological Protection within the parameterization of these protective agents. The authors demonstrate the implementation of practical decontamination experiments using three different types of decontaminants – decontamination liquids, gel, and solid sorbent. The method of conducting the decontamination simulated a real-life intervention in an area contaminated by highly toxic chemical substances and was always based on a prescribed working methodology. The residual contamination value of the respective test substance, i.e., its concentration on the model material used, was analytically determined and compared with the initial contaminant concentration. The results of the experiments provide specific findings about the effectiveness of decontamination reactions of the studied decontaminants under conditions close to a real response during an emergency situation.
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Author: Ing. Tomáš Dropa, MBA; dropa@sujchbo.cz, Milín
Serbia: The Situation Regarding the Illegal Trade in Narcotic and Psychotropic Substances
Abstract: Owing to its geographical position, Serbia has always been a significant country in terms of illicit trade in narcotic and psychotropic substances, particularly along the so called Balkan route. Although the importance of this route has changed over time — mainly due to the expansion of the EU and the Schengen Area, changes in user behavior and preferences, and partial shifts in global transport routes of controlled substances — Serbia continues to be both a major transit and source country for illicit trade in narcotics, psychotropics, and precursors, as well as a significant source of organized criminal groups active regionally and globally. The article focuses on the current situation in the field of illicit drug trafficking in Serbia and on the activities of law enforcement authorities in addressing these criminal activities.
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Author: Lt. Col. Mgr. Vladimír Lank, Police Presidium of the Czech Republic; vladimir.lank@pcr.cz
Unauthorized Handling of Poppy Straw from the Perspective of National and International Law
Abstract: Poppy straw represents a specific plant biomass produced after the harvest of the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum L.), which, despite the absence of seeds, contains residual quantities of morphinan alkaloids, especially in the area of poppy capsules. Although historically considered a waste commodity, its chemical composition and abuse potential make it a subject of increased professional and regulatory attention. The article focuses on toxicological, legal, and safety aspects of handling poppy straw within the Czech Republic and in the international framework. Special attention is given to the analysis of the 1961 UN Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs and its implementation into Czech legislation through Act No. 167/1998 Coll. The text analyzes the obligations of growers and processors of poppy straw, including measures to prevent its misuse for illegal opioid extraction. Emphasis is placed on the role of state control authorities — particularly the Ministry of Health and the Inspectorate for Narcotic and Psychotropic Substances — in issuing permits, monitoring, and recording imports and exports of poppy straw. The paper highlights the risks associated with unconsidered trade and possible legal consequences for primary producers in cases of subsequent illicit use.
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Author: Col. Ing. Tomáš Kratina, Ph.D., MBA, LL.M., National Drug Enforcement Center of the Criminal Police and Investigation Service of the Czech Police; tomas.kratina@pcr.cz
Poppy Straw as a Renewed Commodity in the Czech Republic
Abstract: Poppy straw is a traditional by product of cultivating the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum L.), which was historically used in Czechoslovakia/the Czech Republic as a raw material for the industrial extraction of opium alkaloids. The paper defines poppy straw from an agricultural point of view, summarizes the factors influencing the alkaloid profile, and provides indicative yield and economic values from the period of its regular use. Based on available national oversight data (Central Institute for Supervising and Testing in Agriculture), foreign trade data (Czech Statistical Office), and international UNODC statistics, it describes changes in handling poppy straw after 2016, when regular pharmaceutical processing in the Czech Republic was discontinued. Initial import and export flows are identified, and their interpretation is discussed in relation to price ratios and the probable purpose of use. Finally, the paper emphasizes that the renewed interest in poppy straw may be related to the specific alkaloid profile of national food varieties (morphine/codeine with a low content of thebaine and oripavine), creating the need for systematic monitoring of the movement and use of this commodity.
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Author: Ing. Vlastimil Mikšík, Ph.D., vlastimil.miksik@mze.gov.cz, Ministry of Agriculture of the Czech Republic
Addictive Substances Behind the Wheel Through the Prism of Modern Legislation
Abstract: The article addresses the issue of addictive substances in road transport, focusing on current trends, the legislative framework, and practical impacts on traffic safety. The aim is to analyze developments in driving under the influence of alcohol and other drugs and to highlight related risk factors, including the use of medication, stress, and the illegal transport of addictive substances. Methodologically, the article is based on an analysis of traffic accident statistics, Police of the Czech Republic control activities, relevant legislation, and case law, especially the opinion of the Supreme Court Reference No. Tpjn 300/2020. It also considers legislative amendments effective from 2024 and 2026. The results show that while alcohol related driving shows some stabilization, incidents involving other addictive substances are on the rise both in number and severity. The article also points to insufficient legal awareness among some drivers and misinterpretations of recent legislative changes, particularly regarding cannabis use. The article provides a comprehensive view of the issue, combining statistical data, practical application, and legislative context, identifying key risk factors and emphasizing the importance of preventive measures.
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Author: Capt. Ing. Jindřich Bulan, National Drug Enforcement Center of the Criminal Police and Investigation Service of the Czech Police; Jindrich.Bulan@pcr.cz
Interview with Colonel Mgr. Jaroslav Rozsíval
Interview: Dear readers of the peer reviewed professional journal DRUGS & FORENSICS BULLETIN of the National Drug Enforcement Centre, in this issue we bring you an interview with Senior Counsellor Col. Mgr. Jaroslav Rozsíval, Director of Pardubice Prison. At the beginning, it is worth mentioning that the premises of Pardubice Prison have a very rich and long history that deserves its own chapter. For interest, we can note that in the past, they were used as compulsory labor facilities, a Gestapo prison, a collection camp for police preventive custody, a re education institution, a women’s prison, and today serve as a prison for men.
About the Journal Drugs & Forensics Bulletin
The journal focuses on topics related to addictive substances and their research. Other relevant disciplines include toxicology, addictology, forensic sciences, and related food industry topics.
The journal has been published for 32 years as a peer reviewed professional periodical (ISSN 1211 8834), issued quarterly with a print run of 850 copies. Since 2019, it has been included in the European Reference Index for the Humanities and Social Sciences (ERIH PLUS). From 2025, it has also been indexed and archived in the European index and library based database of scholarly journals on the CEEOL platform.
Publisher: Police of the Czech Republic, National Drug Enforcement Centre of the Criminal Police and Investigation Service
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