At dawn one September day, security at Pulkovo Airport in Saint Petersburg drew attention to actor Yevgeny Tkachuk when a routine bag check uncovered a tube and a packet containing an unknown substance. Local reports described the moment as part of standard preflight screening, with officers flagging items in his belongings for further review.
Channel SHOT reported that the 40-year-old actor was held at the security checkpoint. Early accounts noted a tube and a parcel containing an unidentified substance in his luggage, and Tkachuk initially had trouble explaining their contents to airport officials.
The items were sent to a laboratory for analysis as part of standard security procedures. Authorities confirmed the finding of an unknown substance at the checkpoint and noted that the investigation remained active, with transport police pursuing the case.
The regional Ministry of Internal Affairs stated that the passenger remained under scrutiny and that no additional details were available at that time.
Sources named Puree reported that the substance in the actor’s bag was marijuana. The case was being pursued under Article 229.1 of the Criminal Code, which governs drug-related offenses.
Subsequent statements indicated that Tkachuk was preparing to board a flight to Tbilisi. After the incident he underwent testing, and later reports suggested he was released with an administrative protocol issued against him, though the exact article was not specified. Later updates indicated he was cleared to perform on stage under certain conditions.
Jester and Vitka Garlic
Tkachuk was born on July 23, 1984, in Ashgabat. He studied at the Russian Institute of Theatre Arts under Oleg Kudryashov and later joined the Moscow Theater for Young Spectators before moving to the State Theater of Nations.
His first major screen appearance came in 2007 when he played soldier Andrei Kotunov in Alexander Sokurov’s Alexandra. Since then he has built a diverse portfolio, including the role of the Jester in the TV series The King and the Clown, the captain of the NKVD Flying Detachment in Dyatlov Pass, and Vitka Chesnok in How Vitka Chesnok Was Transported, along with roles in Lekha Shtyr to the Injured and Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum.
Around the same period he founded the private equestrian drama theater VelesO, a venue that blends horse performances with live acting to produce distinctive productions.
In 2024 he earned a major national accolade for Best Supporting Actor for his work in The Righteous. He has two daughters from two marriages and continues to work across stage and screen, maintaining a presence in both experimental and mainstream projects.