Former Russian soccer star Aleksey Bugayev jailed for drug offenses

In Russia, there are two kinds of imprisonment sentences. One can end up in prison, which does not sound like a vacation, but the other option is much worse. Those convicted of the most severe offenses are sent to a penal colony. These places are far from civilization and are known for their extremely harsh conditions. It was in such captivity that Putin's opponent, Alexei Navalny, lost his life.

A famous soccer player, Aleksey Bugayev, who represented Russia multiple times in the European Championships, will also be sent to a penal colony. His case has been ongoing since the fall of 2023 when officers caught him red-handed. It turned out that the athlete was responsible for the production and distribution of hard drugs. On Tuesday, September 24, he heard the final verdict.

Aleksey Bugayev was caught red-handed in October 2023. He received a text message with the location of a stash that contained nearly 1 pound of drugs, specifically mephedrone. He was apprehended by the police while retrieving the package indicated in the message. The athlete was charged with the production, sale, and distribution of drugs on a large scale.

At the beginning of the investigation, the soccer player maintained that he had no intention of putting illegal substances into circulation. However, after some time, he confessed and admitted that he had lied. On Tuesday, September 24, he heard a verdict that chills him. Aleksey Bugayev will spend nearly ten years in a strict regime penal colony. The decision is final.