Russia detains US citizen at Moscow airport for smuggling drugs: MASH

US citizen detained in Moscow on drug smuggling charges

Robert Besser
18 Feb 2025, 15:16 GMT+10

Russia detains US citizen at Moscow airport for smuggling drugs: MASH

A U.S. citizen has been detained at a Moscow airport on drug smuggling charges, according to a report by Russian Telegram channel Mash, which has links to the country’s security services
The individual, identified only as K. Byers, was reportedly stopped upon arrival at Moscow’s Vnukovo airport
Authorities allegedly found half a kilogram of marijuana in his luggage, Mash said. If convicted, he could face up to seven years in prison under Russia’s strict drug laws

MOSCOW, Russia: A U.S. citizen has been detained at a Moscow airport on drug smuggling charges, according to a report by Russian Telegram channel Mash, which has links to the country's security services.

The individual, identified only as K. Byers, was reportedly stopped upon arrival at Moscow's Vnukovo airport. Authorities allegedly found half a kilogram of marijuana in his luggage, Mash said. If convicted, he could face up to seven years in prison under Russia's strict drug laws.

The arrest comes just days after Russia freed Marc Fogel, a U.S. schoolteacher who had been serving a 14-year sentence for bringing marijuana into the country. Fogel was released as part of a prisoner swap, in which the U.S. handed over Russian citizen Alexander Vinnik, who had been jailed in the U.S. for money laundering.

When asked about the latest detention, a spokesperson for the U.S. Embassy in Moscow told Reuters: "Due to privacy restrictions, we have nothing to share at this point."

U.S. citizens have been detained in Russia multiple times under drug-related charges. In 2022, basketball star Brittney Griner was arrested for carrying hash oil into the country and sentenced to nine years in prison. She was later freed in a high-profile prisoner exchange that same year.

Watch latest videos

News RELEASES

Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Australian Herald.

More Information

null in null

International

Section

Critics say Özdağ case aims to silence Erdogan opponents

Turkish far-right leader on trial for inciting hatred

ANKARA, Turkey: A Turkish far-right politician went on trial Wednesday, facing charges of inciting public hatred—an episode critics...

Assisted dying bill clears key hurdle in UK Parliament

UK Parliament backs assisted dying in historic vote

LONDON, U.K.: In a landmark moment for Britain, lawmakers in the House of Commons have voted in favour of legalising assisted dying,...

International law no longer a priority among Western leaders

World returns to 'law of jungle' in face of pre-emptive strikes

Western support for Israel's right to strike Iran backs up a pattern of pre-emptive violence that critics say is further eroding international...

Carney sets 30-day deadline for US trade deal

Canada threatens higher tariffs on US steel, aluminum

OTTAWA, Canada: Canada may boost its counter-tariffs on steel and aluminum imported from the U.S. if a comprehensive trade agreement...

Leaked call pushes Thai govt to the brink as allies waver

Thai PM faces coalition crisis after leak and party walkout

BANGKOK, Thailand: Thailand's government is facing its biggest crisis in nearly a year, as Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra's...

Trump orders U.S. to join Netanyahu's war on Iran

Trump fires opening salvos in U.S. declaration of war on Iran

WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. President Donald Trump how bowed to pro-Israel elements in his administration and Congress, announcing that the...

Sydney

Section

US citizen detained in Moscow on drug smuggling charges

Watch latest videos

News RELEASES

International

Critics say Özdağ case aims to silence Erdogan opponents

Assisted dying bill clears key hurdle in UK Parliament

International law no longer a priority among Western leaders

Carney sets 30-day deadline for US trade deal

Leaked call pushes Thai govt to the brink as allies waver

Trump orders U.S. to join Netanyahu's war on Iran

Sydney

China irks NZ as its influence spreads in the South Pacific

International Olympians featuring in RPL believe there is massive scope for Rugby sevens in India

India's real estate shines amidst slowdown in APAC markets: CBRE Survey

Travis Head urges Australia to move on from WTC Final defeat ahead of West Indies Series

Airstrikes on Iran: "Want to see diplomacy, dialogue and de-escalations", says Australian PM

AFC Women's Asian Cup: Mongolia, first obstacle in Blue Tigresses' road to Australia

Movie Review

Zombie (Zombi 2) (4K UHD) [Blu-Ray]