A veteran war correspondent named Andrei Kots faced detention in Moscow over marijuana possession. This information was reported by plinth. The incident allegedly occurred on the night of February 10, when police stopped the journalist on Dekabristov Street in the northern part of the capital.
According to Baza, Kots appeared visibly tense, which prompted the officers to conduct a search. During the search, investigators say they found a package containing an unknown substance in his possession. Laboratory tests later identified the substance as marijuana weighing about 2 grams. The case was opened with the intent to pursue charges related to narcotics smuggling against an unidentified person from whom the journalist allegedly purchased the marijuana. The authorities have not released the name of that individual.
Kots has not spoken about his detention and declined to comment, explaining that he does not know where Baza obtained its information. This stance leaves many questions about the timeline and the exact circumstances surrounding the stop. In news coverage, there is a tendency for such incidents to be scrutinized for details that could influence public perception of press freedom and journalist safety in the capital.
Separately, on February 13, customs officers at St. Petersburg Pulkovo airport detained a German citizen after an examination of his belongings. During the inspection, airport staff reportedly found a bag of gummy bears containing marijuana on the man. A criminal case was opened against the traveler, and authorities indicated that the individual could face a prison sentence of up to seven years if convicted after trial.
There have also been previous reports about police operations involving unusual disguises or gimmicks used in drug enforcement efforts. One earlier account described an officer dressed as a bear who was involved in a sting operation that used candy to catch a suspect on Valentine’s Day. Such stories contribute to public interest in how narcotics offenses are investigated and photographed, often becoming focal points in broader discussions about law enforcement tactics.
Overall, these incidents illustrate the range of scenarios in which narcotics controls intersect with travel, journalism, and day-to-day life in major Russian cities. They also highlight ongoing questions about evidence collection, the role of official statements, and the balance between public transparency and the protection of sources. Observers note that the legal process in cases like these can take time, with preliminary investigations followed by formal charges and, if warranted, court proceedings. It remains essential for readers to follow official updates for the most accurate portrayal of events as authorities progress through investigative steps.
In multiple jurisdictions across Russia, authorities continue to emphasize the seriousness of drug offenses and the potential penalties involved. The cases seen in Moscow and St. Petersburg reflect a consistent legal framework where possession, distribution, and intent to traffic are scrutinized under narcotics laws. As investigations develop, the public and press are keen to see how prosecutors present evidence and how defense responses unfold in court, shaping the broader conversation about law, order, and press rights in the country. This evolving situation underscores the importance of careful reporting and verified information when covering incidents that touch on crime, state power, and media independence.