7 sources·World

U.S. Citizen Kalob Wayne Byers Faces Drug Smuggling Charges in Russia Amid Diplomatic Thaw

Kalob Wayne Byers detained for drug smuggling after cannabis gummies found in his luggage at Moscow airport; sentenced to 30 days pre-trial detention.

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News of Byers’ detention comes as Marc Fogel, a U.S. citizen who was detained on drug charges in Russia four years ago, was released on Tuesday in exchange for Russian prisoner Alexander Vinnik, who had been detained by the U.S. government on cryptocurrency fraud charges.
American detained in Russia identified as Kalob Wayne Byers
FOX News·1M
Mostly Reliable
This source is generally reliable but sometimes includes opinion, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies.
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Leans Right
This outlet slightly leans right.
The Washington-Moscow prisoner exchange this month saw Alexander Vinnik, a Russian cryptocurrency expert who faced Bitcoin fraud charges in the United States, returned to Russia in exchange for American Marc Fogel, a teacher from Pennsylvania who was detained in 2021 when traveling to Russia to work at a school.
Russian court orders US citizen suspected of drug smuggling to be held in custody
NBC News·1M
Reliable
This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
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Center
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The U.S. citizen, whom Saturday’s statement named as Kalob Wayne Byers, was detained after airport customs officials found cannabis-laced marmalade in his baggage.
Russian court orders US citizen suspected of drug smuggling held in custody
ABC News·1M
Reliable
This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
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Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
The Washington-Moscow prisoner exchange this month saw Alexander Vinnik, a Russian cryptocurrency expert who faced Bitcoin fraud charges in the United States, returned to Russia in exchange for American Marc Fogel, a teacher from Pennsylvania who was detained in 2021 when traveling to Russia to work at a school.
Russian Court Holds US Citizen In Custody for Alleged Drug Smuggling
Newsmax·1M
Mixed Reliable
This source has a mixed track record—sometimes accurate but also prone to bias, sensationalism, or incomplete reporting.
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Right
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Feb 16th, 2025, 3:05 AM ET

Summary

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Kalob Wayne Byers, a 28-year-old American, has been ordered into 30 days of pre-trial detention in Moscow after customs discovered cannabis-laced marmalade in his luggage on February 7. This arrest follows a recent U.S.-Russia prisoner swap, raising tensions between the two countries. Byers may face up to ten years in prison if convicted for drug smuggling. The U.S. State Department is aware of his detention but hasn't made a public comment. Byers claims the products were prescribed by a U.S. doctor, echoing previous concerns over the treatment of American detainees in Russia.

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