A Moscow region pensioner is under investigation after police discovered 14 marijuana plants flourishing in her garden.
The 70-year-old woman said she didn't know that the “pretty bushes” she was tending were marijuana plants, several of which were 2 meters tall, police
Zaraisky district police were tipped off by a 26-year-old man who said he recently noticed the charming shrubbery and snipped a bit off for later use.
The man, who police said is an unemployed ex-con, had earlier been caught keeping 100 grams of cannabis in a dresser at his house.
A criminal case has been opened for the possession of an “especially large” amount of an illegal narcotic, a crime punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to 500,000 rubles ($15,500).
Earlier this month, a logistics worker for the Federal Drug Control service was charged with felony possession after "25 buckets" of marijuana was discovered at his dacha.
He said he was cultivating the drug for "personal use."
Related articles:
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.