An Indian-origin manager at The Walt Disney Company has been sentenced to two-and-a-half years in a Russian prison after being convicted of drug possession and smuggling. The case stemmed from THC-infused gummy candies that were allegedly found in his luggage at a Moscow airport.
Arrest and Conviction
According to Russian state media TASS, 46-year-old Jugal Daterao was arrested in January 2026 at Sheremetyevo International Airport after arriving on a flight that transited through Qatar. Customs officials allegedly found cannabis-infused gummy sweets during a routine baggage inspection.
A court in Russia's Moscow region convicted Daterao of drug possession and smuggling, sentencing him to two years and six months in a medium-security penal colony. He was also fined 30,000 roubles (around $420).
Legal Defense Rejected
During court proceedings, Daterao argued that the gummies had been 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.
Background of the Accused
Russian media identified Daterao as an Indian citizen, although it remains unclear whether he also holds US citizenship, Moscow Times reported. Daterao describes himself on LinkedIn as a New York-based technology executive and programme director. According to his profile, he has worked at The Walt Disney Company since 2019, overseeing entertainment and technology-related programmes. His social media profiles indicate that he is based in the US state of New Jersey. Russian reports did not specify the purpose of his visit to Russia.
