Media outlets have identified Kalob Wayne Byers, a 28-year-old American, as the individual detained in Russia on drug smuggling charges.

Russian news agency TASS reported his arrest on February 7th at Moscow’s Vnukovo Airport following a K-9 detection of contraband in his luggage.

According to Reuters, citing the Moscow City Court’s Press Office, Byers will remain in custody for 30 days. A court hearing image, released Saturday, purportedly shows Byers via video link.

The U.S. State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

 

Authorities allege Byers possessed cannabis gummies at the time of his arrest.

TASS reported that he faces charges of smuggling narcotic drugs, punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment.

 

TASS cited the customs service, reporting that a chemical analysis confirmed the presence of cannabinoids. The report adds that Byers claimed the gummies were prescribed by his U.S. doctor.

Byers’ detention follows the recent release of another U.S. citizen, Marc Fogel, on Tuesday. Fogel, a Pennsylvania history teacher, was exchanged for Russian prisoner Alexander Vinnik, who faced U.S. cryptocurrency fraud charges. Fogel had been serving a 14-year sentence for drug possession since his 2019 arrest.

’ Brie Stimson contributed to this report.