American Detained in Russia for Cannabis-Laced Marmalade Following Recent Prisoner Swaps
A 28-year-old American man has been detained in Moscow for carrying cannabis-laced marmalade, facing up to seven years in prison after a recent U.S.-Russia prisoner exchange.
He has been charged with smuggling narcotic drugs into the country and could face five up to 10 years in prison, TASS reported.
FOX News·1M·Mostly ReliableThis source is generally reliable but sometimes includes opinion, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies.Leans RightThis outlet slightly leans right.There was no immediate comment from the U.S. State Department.
Russia detains another US citizen on drugs charges days after swap, reports say
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In recent years, Russia has detained a number of US citizens on drugs charges with some Western officials suggesting the Kremlin is "hoarding" Americans to trade for allies and operatives imprisoned abroad.
US man detained in Russia on drugs charges - state media
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The report does not name the man in question, but states that authorities have opened a criminal case against him with possible penalties ranging from 5 to 10 years in prison, along with a fine of up to 1 million rubles ($10,884).
US citizen detained in Russia for drug possession, says state media
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Summary
A 28-year-old American citizen, known only as K. Byers, was detained at Moscow's Vnukovo Airport after customs found cannabis-laced marmalade in his luggage. He faces up to seven years for smuggling narcotics, as Russian officials reported he attempted to bring in a significant amount of cannabis-derived products. The incident occurred shortly after a U.S.-Russia prisoner swap, described by the White House as a diplomatic thaw. This case reflects ongoing tensions between the two countries, as Americans, like Marc Fogel and Brittney Griner, have faced similar charges in the past, amid broader geopolitical conflicts.
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