US Citizen Arrested in Russia on Drug Charges, State Media Reports

A 28-year-old US citizen was detained by Russian customs at Vnukovo Airport in Moscow for possession of cannabis-laced marmalade. The incident occurred on February 7, and the individual is facing serious legal repercussions, including potential imprisonment.

The Russian customs service reported that the American was stopped after arriving on a flight from Istanbul. Customs officials used a drug-sniffing dog named Eureka, which alerted them to one of his bags. Upon inspection, they discovered two plastic jars and a Ziploc bag containing candy infused with cannabinoids.

Authorities have initiated a criminal case against the detainee under charges of smuggling narcotic drugs. If convicted, he could face between 5 to 10 years in prison and fines reaching up to 1 million rubles (approximately $10,884). Court records indicate that the case was filed on February 8, and the suspect appeared before a judge on February 10.

The US Embassy in Moscow has been contacted regarding this situation; however, due to privacy restrictions, they have not provided further information about the detained individual. The man stated that his items were prescribed by a physician in the united states.

This incident highlights the strict regulations surrounding drug possession in Russia. As international travel continues to increase post-pandemic, it serves as a reminder for travelers to familiarize themselves with local laws regarding controlled substances.