Russian authorities at Vnukovo Airport in Moscow have detained a 28-year-old American citizen for allegedly carrying marmalade infused with cannabis, according to Russian state media agency TASS.
The Russian customs service informed TASS that “On February 7, Vnukovo customs officers detained a 28-year-old US citizen who was carrying marmalade with cannabinoids in his luggage.”
While the individual’s identity has not been disclosed, authorities have launched a criminal case, citing potential penalties of five to ten years in prison and a fine of up to 1 million rubles ($10,884).
CNN reported that court documents indicate the case was officially filed on February 8, with the suspect appearing in court on February 10, where a judge upheld his detention. The records reference a legal provision related to “smuggling narcotic drugs.”
CNN has sought comments from the US State Department and the US Embassy in Moscow.
However, a US Embassy spokesperson told Reuters on Friday that, due to “privacy restrictions,” they had “nothing to share at this point.”
TASS states that customs officers intercepted the American after his arrival on a flight from Istanbul.
A drug-sniffing dog named Eureka reportedly alerted officials to one of his bags, leading to the discovery of two plastic jars and a Ziploc bag filled with candy.
The detainee reportedly claimed the items were prescribed by a doctor in the United States. However, a chemical analysis conducted by Russian customs determined that the sweets “contained narcotic substances of the cannabinoid group,” according to TASS.
