You know, I was in Russia once, for a month. One thing I was told about law enforcement there - watch your ass. They're corrupt as hell, and if you're identifiable as an American - EASY to do, because you're stupid enough to smile at strangers or wear sneakers - cops will make crap up about you to extort you for a bribe.
Happened to my mother in law on her first trip there with my wife. My wife's American friends warned her - do not speed, do not go through a stop sign, and if they scream at you, OBEY. They LOVE to pick on foreigners especially Americans because one, they'll get away with it and two, some Americans are ESPECIALLY stupid and treat all cops the way they do with American cops. When my wife was traveling back to St Pete to fly home, cops pulled over their van, and they told her to sit way in the back - because if they knew she was there, they'd take all her cash.
So - no. Only a little sympathetic. This isn't "wearing white after Labor Day" infraction of the norms.
This is drugs. This is Russia. And one thing I learned there, if you think America is racist, Russia is racist on steroids. They're racist against Central Asians. They're racist against Uzbeks and Turkmens and Kazakhs and Mongols and Armenians. They hate blacks and Jews and the people who live in the Caucusus.
They warned us, if you're black, do NOT go around alone at nigh - youth will attack you and cops will stand and watch - and laugh - and might even join.
I feel sorry for her. I read her brother's account of jail there. Could be worse, and that's to say, it's really bad.
What I think however, is IF she ever leaves - she won't gain an appreciation for this country. She won't learn anything.
Damn, hasn't anyone seen Midnight Express?
Nuts - now that creepy movie theme is in my head.