In the Siberian city of Tomsk, a man has been arrested for possession of drugs which he claims he won in an online competition, the website of the local transport police reported Thursday.
Police reported that they found the man in an “inadequate” condition at a Tomsk train station. They discovered more than 5 grams of white powder in the man's pocket which appeared to be spice — a synthetic drug.
The man, 20, told police he received the drugs as a prize after winning an essay competition run by a website that sells the drug.
He wrote an essay about the effects of the drug and after a few days was contacted by website admins, who told him where to find a stash of the drug as a prize.
His winning essay was published on the website, he told the police.
A criminal case was opened on charges of drug possession The man faces three to ten years in prison if convicted.
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.