Russian court arrests US citizen on drug trafficking charges

“On June 10, 2023, the Khamovniki District Court of Moscow imposed a restrictive measure on an American citizen,” according to a statement by the Moscow courts of general jurisdiction.

Michael Travis Leake appears on Russian television. Photo: Izvestia

"A former paratrooper and musician, the man accused of running a drug trafficking business involving young people will be remanded in custody until August 6, 2023."

If convicted, the man could face up to 12 years in prison, Russia's Interfax news agency reported.

According to Russian media, the American citizen is Michael Travis Leake, 51 years old, who has lived in Russia for more than 10 years. Travis Leake's Instagram account describes him as a singer in the band Lovi Noch.

"When a US citizen is arrested abroad, the Department will seek consular access as soon as possible and provide necessary assistance," the US State Department said in a statement.

Mai Anh (according to Interfax, Reuters)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/toa-an-nga-bat-giu-mot-nguoi-my-ve-toi-buon-ban-ma-tuy-post251242.html