US citizen detained on drug smuggling charges in Russia released ahead of talks between Moscow, Washington
Share and Follow

A U.S. citizen arrested in Russia earlier this month on drug smuggling charges has been released from Russian custody.

Kalob Wayne Byers, 28, was detained on Feb. 7 at the Vnukovo airport in Moscow after cannabis-laced marmalade was allegedly found in his luggage by customs officials. Byers was traveling from Istanbul with his Russian fiancée, who was also taken into custody.

It was not immediately clear whether Byers’ fiancée, identified by Russian media as Naida Mambetova, was also released. She was placed in pre-trial detention on the same charges.

Russian authorities said Byers had attempted to smuggle a “significant amount” of drugs into the country. He was taken into custody on drug smuggling charges, punishable by up to a decade in prison.

Alexander Vinnik and Marc Fogel

Russian prisoner Alexander Vinnik, left, was swapped for American teacher Marc Fogel, right. (Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto via Getty Images/Aaron Schwartz/CNP/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Fogel was detained at a Russian airport in August 2021 when traveling to work at a school in Moscow. He was sentenced to 14 years behind bars for possession of drugs, which his family said was medically prescribed marijuana.

He was released and flown back to the U.S. earlier this month in an exchange that included returning Alexander Vinnik, a Russian cryptocurrency expert who faced Bitcoin fraud charges in the U.S., to Russia.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Prince Harry disputes having 'leaky' social circle in Daily Mail trial

Prince Harry Challenges Claims of ‘Leaky’ Inner Circle in High-Profile Daily Mail Case

In a courtroom drama unfolding in London, Prince Harry adopted a defiant…
How Mossimo Giannulli feels about 'extremely angry' Lori Loughlin as they navigate divorce

Mossimo Giannulli’s Perspective on ‘Extremely Angry’ Lori Loughlin Amid Divorce Proceedings

Mossimo Giannulli will always hold love for Lori Loughlin. As reported by…
Video shows anti-ICE agitator berating Christians in Minnesota church service

Controversial Clash: Anti-ICE Activist Confronts Congregation at Minnesota Church Service

A disruptive scene unfolded at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, as…
Video shows anti-ICE agitator berating Christians in Minnesota church service

Leftist Pastor Labels Minnesota Church Intrusion as ‘Divine Judgment’ on MAGA Evangelicals Amid Ongoing DOJ Investigation

As federal authorities deliberate over potential civil rights infringements following an incursion…
Trial for Chicago man Juan Espinoza-Martinez accused of putting hit on Border Patrol Chief Gregory Bovino begins

High-Stakes Trial: Chicago Man Faces Charges for Alleged Assassination Plot Against Border Patrol Chief

The trial of a Chicago man, accused of orchestrating a plot against…
Air Force One returns to Washington area due to minor electrical issue, White House says

Air Force One Makes Unscheduled Landing Near Washington Due to Minor Electrical Glitch: White House Update

President Donald Trump will switch planes and proceed with his journey to…
Trump Greenland envoy disinvited from dog sled race amid heightened rhetoric

Trump’s Greenland Representative Barred from Dog Sled Event Amid Rising Tensions

Governor Jeff Landry of Louisiana, who serves as President Donald Trump’s envoy…
Minnesota police chiefs allege some ICE agents racially profiled US citizens, including off-duty officers

Minnesota Police Chiefs Expose Racial Profiling by ICE: US Citizens & Off-Duty Officers Targeted

On Tuesday, a coalition of Minnesota law enforcement leaders voiced concerns that…