The Krasnodar Prikubansky District Court reviewed the request from investigators to choose preventive measures for the ex-Russian national team forward Alexei Bugaev. He was accused under Part 3 of Part 5 of Article 30 of Article 228.1 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, with authorities seeking to keep him in custody as a precaution. The court ordered detention for Bugaev through December 31, 2023, as the preventive measure. This decision was announced by the press service of the Krasnodar Territory courts via the official telegram channel.
On November 1, the telegram channel reported that Bugaev was detained with 500 grams of mephedrone. A criminal case was initiated against the football figure, with charges focusing on large-scale drug trafficking. If convicted, he could face up to 20 years behind bars. Authorities indicated that he allegedly worked as a part‑time courier for medicines and allegedly placed drug bookmarks near Kuban Agricultural University.
In his professional career, Alexei Bugaev represented clubs including Lokomotiv, Krasnodar, Tom, Khimki, and Torpedo. The defender earned seven appearances for the Russia national team, without scoring a goal. He walked away from professional football in 2010 at the age of 29, citing personal reasons and a shift in career focus.
Previously, Bugaev’s defense counsel asserted that no illegal substances were found when the football player was taken into custody. Further statements emphasized uncertainties in the initial handling of the case and pointed to questions about the evidence gathered during the arrest. The case continues to unfold under the jurisdiction of regional authorities, with updates expected as investigations proceed.