Disney exec appeals to Putin over candy drug case
Moscow, August 18. Jugal Sudhir Datarao, a top manager of The Walt Disney Company who was sentenced in Russia and is of Indian origin, has asked President Vladimir Putin for the possibility of being released after serving half of his prison term.
Consensus
- Jugal Sudhir Daterao, an Indian national and Disney executive, was sentenced to 2.5 years in prison in Russia.
- He was arrested at Sheremetyevo Airport in January 2026.
- A small amount of marzipan containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) was found in his luggage.
- The amount of THC was reported as 0.0527 grams in one source and slightly over 0.5 grams in another, with both sources agreeing it was considered significant under Russian law.
- Daterao claimed he was unaware the substance was illegal in Russia and that it was prescribed by a doctor for medical reasons.
- He has appealed to President Vladimir Putin for clemency after serving half of his sentence.
- He stated he cannot qualify for early release due to lack of legal status in Russia.
- He emphasized the risk of losing his U.S. green card due to prolonged absence.
- He acknowledged guilt and expressed intent to make better choices for the rest of his life.
- He is a citizen of India, which Russia considers a friendly country.
- He resides in New York and works for The Walt Disney Company on advertising, supply chain, cloud technology, and partnership integration projects.
Points of divergence
- The total weight of THC in the marzipan was 0.0527 g. — vesti
- The total weight of THC in the marzipan exceeded 0.5 g. — tg_echoonline_news
- Daterao stated he could lose his green card and income source if he does not return to the U.S. after a year of absence. — vesti
- Daterao stated he could lose his U.S. green card due to long absence, but did not mention income source. — tg_echoonline_news
- Daterao said he could lose his green card and source of income, and that his parents in India depend on his income. — vesti
- Daterao mentioned his daughter and family but did not specify dependence on income from him. — tg_echoonline_news
- Daterao said he was not eligible for conditional early release because he lacks legal status in Russia. — vesti
- Daterao said he cannot qualify for early release due to no legal status in Russia. — tg_echoonline_news
- Daterao said he is appealing to the Moscow Oblast Court for sentence mitigation. — vesti
- Daterao said his only chance is to appeal in the appellate court. — tg_echoonline_news
- Daterao said he has no legal status in Russia and cannot apply for early release. — vesti
- Daterao said he has no legal stay status in Russia and cannot qualify for early release. — tg_echoonline_news
Coverage (2 sources)
- Disney manager convicted in Russia for hemp candy appealed to Putin — Вести
- Disney manager sentenced for jam with narcotic substance asked Putin to mitigate his punishment — ЭХО / Новости
Key entities
- Vladimir Putin
- Disney
- Moscow
- Russia
- USA
- RTVI
- Daterao Jugala Sudhira
- The Walt Disney Company
- Jugal Sudhir Datrao
- Prison No. 12
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