An Indian-origin manager of the Walt Disney Company has been sentenced to two-and-a-half years in a Russian prison after being convicted of drug possession and trafficking. The case stems from THC-infused gummy candies that were allegedly found in his luggage at a Moscow airport.Jugal Dateraev, 46, was arrested at Sheremetyevo International Airport in January 2026 after arriving on a flight passing through Qatar, according to Russian state media TASS. Customs officers reportedly found cannabis-laced gummy sweets during a routine baggage inspection.A court in Russia’s Moscow region convicted Daterov of drug possession and trafficking, sentencing him to two years and six months in a medium-security penal colony. He was also fined 30,000 rubles (about $420).During court proceedings, Daterao argued that the gummies were legally prescribed in the United States to help manage the long-term effects of brain surgery. However, the court rejected the defense and found him guilty under Russian drug laws.Russian media have identified Daterao as an Indian citizen, although it is unclear whether he also holds US citizenship, the Moscow Times reported.

Who is Jugal Daterao?

Deterav describes himself on LinkedIn as a New York-based technology executive and program director. According to his profile, he has worked at The Walt Disney Company since 2019, overseeing entertainment and technology-related programs.His social media profiles reveal that he lives in the American state of New Jersey. Russian reports did not specify the purpose of his visit to Russia.