US citizen detained on drug charges in Moscow identified as rock band manager Travis Leake

The US State Department has confirmed the arrest of American citizen Travis Leake in Russia and said US embassy officials attended his arraignment Saturday.

Moscow's courts of general jurisdiction earlier released a statement on the social media app Telegram saying a US citizen had been detained on drugs charges.

Leake was detained on Saturday where "the Khamovniki District Court of Moscow took a preventive measure against an American citizen," it said.

A court statement identified him "Travis Michael Leek."

"The former paratrooper and musician is accused of engaging in the narcotics business through attracting young people," the statement said.

It added he had appeared at the Khamovniki District Court of Moscow on June 10 and will remain in custody until August 6, 2023.

On Sunday, the US State Department confirmed Leake's detention.