Latvian Rapper Platina Detained in Russia on Drug Charges

Latvian rapper Robert Plaudis, known by his stage name Platina, was detained by police during a concert in Tomsk, Russia. Authorities reported that Plaudis' purpose for entering Russian territory did not coincide with his activities in the country.

Several administrative protocols were drawn up against the rapper, including refusing to undergo a medical examination due to drunkenness and violating the rules of stay in Russia as a foreign citizen. Police have also resolved to bring charges against Plaudis under Russia's "Drug Propaganda" law for allegedly promoting banned substances.

Plaudis was taken into custody and is expected to face the charges against him at a later date. The incident in Tomsk follows a previous disruption at one of Platina's concerts in Yekaterinburg, where the venue was evacuated due to a bomb threat, cutting the rapper's performance short.

Why this matters: The detention of Platina highlights the strict enforcement of Russia's drug laws and the scrutiny faced by foreign artists performing in the country. The case also raises questions about freedom of expression and the challenges musicians may encounter when touring in nations with differing legal and cultural norms.

In a separate incident prior to Platina's detention, Russian authorities in Kazan arrested an individual found in possession of 730 grams of cannabis-infused gummy bears. The detention of Platina and the Kazan arrest underscore Russia's ongoing efforts to crack down on drug-related offenses and the promotion of banned substances.

Key Takeaways

• Latvian rapper Platina detained by Russian police during concert in Tomsk.
• Platina accused of refusing medical exam, violating stay rules, and drug propaganda.
• Platina's previous concert in Yekaterinburg disrupted by bomb threat.
• Detention highlights Russia's strict drug laws and scrutiny of foreign artists.
• Russian authorities also arrested individual with 730g of cannabis-infused gummies.