Russian film and TV actress Aglaya Tarasova was detained at Moscow’s Domodedovo Airport and charged with drug smuggling, media reported on Friday.
“It’s believed cannabis oil was discovered in her vape cartridge,” an anonymous law enforcement source told the state-run news agency TASS. Another source told the RIA Novosti news agency that the amount of cannabis oil was measured at 0.38 grams.
Investigators on Friday asked the Domodedovsky City Court to place Tarasova, 31, under house arrest, according to the Kommersant business newspaper.
Tarasova, who gained recognition for her roles in the popular long-running TV series “Interns” and the 2017 romantic figure-skating drama “Ice,” faces up to 7 years in prison if convicted of drug smuggling.
The date of Tarasova’s arrest is a subject of dispute. Telegram news channels with links to Russian law enforcement agencies claim the actress was detained “two days ago.”
Media personality Ksenia Sobchak’s news outlet Ostorozhno Novosti, meanwhile, claimed the arrest took place on Aug. 28, when she allegedly tried to pass through customs control after returning from Tel Aviv.
Tarasova is the daughter of actress Ksenia Rapporport, who has publicly condemned Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
