Moscow court detains US ex-paratrooper on drug charges
2 Min Read
A Moscow court announces the detainment of a US citizen in Russia for being a suspect in a cocaine trafficking organization.
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A man walks out of the pre-trial detention center Lefortovo, where US journalist for the Wall Street Journal Evan Gershkovitch is being held on espionage charges, in Moscow, Russia, on April 6, 2023 (Reuters)
A musician and former paratrooper from the United States was arrested in Russia on suspicion of organizing a cocaine trafficking organization, a Moscow court announced on Saturday.
According to a statement made on the Telegram messaging app by Moscow's courts of general jurisdiction, "On June 10, 2023, Moscow's Khamovniki District Court took a measure of restraint against a U.S. citizen."
"The former paratrooper and a musician, who is accused of running a drug dealing business involving young people, will remain in custody until Aug. 6, 2023."
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The reports could not be independently confirmed by Reuters.
According to the Russian Interfax news agency, the individual may spend up to 12 years in prison if found guilty.
An inquiry for comment was not immediately answered by the US State Department.
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It is worth noting that US journalist Evan Gershkovich was detained by Russian security forces in March on suspicion of "espionage".
Paul Whelan, a former US Marine, is currently serving a 16-year prison sentence in Russia after being found guilty of "espionage" as well.
Brittney Griner, a professional basketball player from the United States, was imprisoned in Russia on drug-related accusations; she was exchanged for Russian businessman Viktor Bout in December.
