A U.S. citizen, identified as Kalob Wayne Byers, 28, was detained by Russian customs officials at Moscow’s Vnukovo Airport on February 7, after allegedly carrying cannabis-laced gummy candies in his luggage, according to Russian state media agency TASS.
According to Russia’s Federal Customs Service, a K-9 unit detected suspicious substances in Byers’ suitcase, leading to a search that uncovered two plastic jars and a zip-lock bag containing gummy candies infused with cannabinoids.
Byers reportedly told authorities that the items had been prescribed by a doctor in the U.S. However, Russian law does not recognize foreign medical prescriptions for controlled substances.
🚨 Russia: American musician Kalob Wayne Byers arrested on February 7th as he flew in to Moscow to see his girlfriend. He faces 10 years in prison on fabricated drug charges.
Putin is refilling his hostage exchange fund. pic.twitter.com/bWKXQqUuQn— Igor Sushko (@igorsushko) February 16, 2025
Following his detention, a Moscow court ordered Byers to remain in custody for 30 days as the investigation proceeds.
The report states that Byers was charged with drug smuggling, a crime that carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to 1 million rubles ($10,884).
The arrest comes just days after a prisoner exchange between the two nations. Russia has previously detained U.S. citizens on drug charges, most notably basketball player Brittney Griner in 2022, who was later exchanged for Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout.
Moscow is also currently holding several other Americans, including ballerina Ksenia Karelina, teacher Stephen Hubbard, and former U.S. Marine Robert Gilman, on various charges.
The U.S. State Department has acknowledged Byers’ detention but has not yet issued a formal statement on potential diplomatic interventions.
