The problem of distribution and consumption of intoxicating substances is considered a socially harmful phenomenon and Southeast Asia is a region particularly affected by drugs. In the face of this challenge, the heads of many states undertake radical actions, going beyond the legal framework, referred to as state vigilantism. Based on the example of three selected political leaders (Thaksin Shinawatra, Rodrigo Duterte and Joko Widodo), the author points out how radical strategies for fighting the drug problem contribute to increasing popularity, even though the problem has not been resolved since the early 1970s. Cross-comparison analysis of the three mentioned cases aims at identifying sources of effectiveness and attractiveness of populist methods that have not changed significantly for fifty years. Among them the author argues that vigilantism grows out of populism and takes the form of a spectacle containing such elements as dehumanising discourse, extrajudicial killings and the theme of the nation’s morality at risk.

Author of this article undertakes an effort to analyze the money laundering process. Starting form outlining the problem, showing historical overview, describing basic definitions and key issues concerning the problem such as: organized crime and drug trafficking, most important socio-economical impacts of the money laundering process that itself will be analyzed together with international legal efforts to fight it showing the most important organizations involved. Last part of the article will concentrate on Polish legal and organizational solutions in this matter.