Michael Travis Leake, US musician, detained in Russia

A Russian tribunal has detained US national Michael Travis Leake, a instrumentalist and erstwhile paratrooper.

Moscow's Khamovnichesky tribunal claimed that Mr Leake had "organised the merchantability of drugs to young people", AFP quality bureau reports.

He volition beryllium held successful custody until August 6, pending a imaginable trial.

Mr Leake is astatine slightest the 3rd American detained successful Russia successful caller years amid heightened tensions betwixt Washington and Moscow.

US media outlet CNN said Mr Leake was a instrumentalist and euphony shaper who had lived successful Russia for galore years.

He appeared connected the question amusement Parts Unknown - hosted by the precocious cook Anthony Bourdain - for an occurrence successful 2014 that was filmed successful Moscow and St Petersburg.

Darya Tarasova, who produced the episode, told CNN that Mr Leake was a "showman" who was "very articulate" and who "loved Russia". He often worked with section stone bands, Mr Tarasova said.

Russian section media had earlier reported his apprehension astatine his level successful Moscow.

US officials person antecedently accused Russia of deliberately targeting American citizens for arrest.

In March, Russian authorities arrested US writer Evan Gershkovich, a analogous for the Wall Street Journal, connected espionage charges. He remains successful pre-trial detention.

Late past year, American hoops subordinate Brittney Griner, who was jailed successful Russia connected drugs charges, was released successful a captive swap for the Russian arms trader Viktor Bout.

US marine Paul Whelan is serving a 16-year situation condemnation connected "spying" charges - helium was sentenced earlier Russia's penetration of Ukraine, which has weakened relations betwixt US and Russia.

The State Department has been approached for comment.