The Russian embassy in Azerbaijan is making efforts to be allowed to meet with Marat Ueldanov, a Russian citizen of Armenian origin, who was detained in Baku.

The embassy issued an official statement concerning the information and reports by media outlets on Ueldanov’s detention.

The message says the embassy received a note from the Azerbaijani foreign ministry on June 23. According to the note, representatives of the local State Security Service detained the Russian citizen and placed him into a detention center June 9, 2016.

Ueldanov was charged with Article 234.4.3 of the Azerbaijani Criminal Code (illegal purchase or storage of large quantity of drugs with intent to sell), the message said.

A few days later Mariana Mirzoyan appealed to the embassy, stating that the detainee is her brother and his real surname is Galustyan. Mirzoyan added that Galustyan was detained on suspicion of espionage, rather than drug trafficking, the message said.

The embassy immediately appealed to relevant Azerbaijani agencies with a request to explain and permit the representatives of the consular department to meet with the Russian citizen, the message said.

The embassy continues working with the Azerbaijani side to quickly clarify the issue and get permission to meet with the detainee.