A German man arrested in Russia in mid-February on charges of importing gummy bears containing cannabis, krone.at reports, will remain in prison. A Russian court on Tuesday extended the 38-year-old’s pre-trial detention until April 15.
The man had asked during a court hearing in St. Petersburg to replace his detention with house arrest and agreed to surrender his passport. However, the requests were rejected by the court.
Arrested at St. Petersburg Airport
The man was arrested at St. Petersburg Pulkovo Airport on February 14 upon arrival from Istanbul. According to customs, when his luggage was checked, gummies containing cannabis were found.
Criminal case for drug smuggling
The German is said to have used such gummy bears several times on longer flights to get a good night’s sleep. Criminal proceedings were initiated against him for drug smuggling. He faces a prison sentence of up to seven years.
The case is reminiscent of the arrest of American basketball player Brittney Griner, who was arrested at Moscow airport in 2022 for having a small amount of hash oil with her. The star player, who also played for Russian Superleague club Yekaterinburg, was sentenced to nine years in prison for drug possession. In 2023, she was exchanged for a Russian arms dealer imprisoned in the US.
Source: Krone
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