Russia says it’s holding an American WNBA star in custody after discovering vapes and hashish oil in her luggage
Seven-time WNBA All-Star player Brittney Griner is being held in custody by Russian officials after she was arrested at a Moscow airport.
Vape cartridges containing hashish oil were found in her luggage at Sheremetyevo Airport after she arrived in Russia from ny , consistent with The ny Times.
Russian news sources said she was arrested in February. Russia’s Interfax press agency said a drug-sniffing dog uncovered “so-called ‘vapes'” in her luggage with the “narcotic drug cannabis oil.”
“As a U.S. citizen was passing through the green channel at Sheremetyevo Airport upon coming back from ny , a dog from the Sheremetyevo Customs canine department detected the possible presence of narcotic substances within the accompanying luggage,” the Russian Federal Bureau of Customs said during a statement, consistent with multiple reports. “The customs inspection of the baggage being carried by the U.S. citizen confirmed the presence of vapes with specifically-smelling liquid, and an expert determined that the liquid was cannabis oil (hash oil), which may be a narcotic substance.”
Griner, 31, was detained as a “preventive measure,” Interfax said. The charge carries a maximum sentence of 10 years during a Russian prison, consistent with the days .
Griner is an American basketball player for the Phoenix Mercury of the Women’s National Basketball Association. She also won gold while playing for the US women’s national five in 2021 and 2016. Griner was drafted because the no 1 overall pick in 2013 and is additionally an outspoken advocate on issues surrounding the LGBTQ+ community.
“We are conscious of reports of a U.S. citizen arrested in Moscow,” a State Department spokesperson told Insider. “Whenever a U.S. citizen is arrested overseas, we stand able to provide all appropriate consular services.”
The Phoenix Mercury released a press release saying they were “closely monitoring” things and remain in touch together with her family and representation.
“We love and support Brittney and at this point our main concern is her safety, physical and psychological state , and her safe return home,” the statement continued.
According to the days Griner has played for UMMC Ekaterinburg in Russia for several seasons during the WNBA’s off-season.
USA Basketball released a press release Saturday also saying it had been closely monitoring things . Griner’s “safety and wellbeing are our primary concerns,” the statement continued.