MOSCOW (KNX) — Seven-time WNBA All-Star Brittney Griner has been detained by Russian officials following an arrest at a Moscow airport, it was reported Saturday.
Officials said they found vape cartridges containing hashish oil packed in the Phoenix Mercury player’s luggage at Sheremetyevo Airport upon her arrival in Russia from New York, according to The New York Times.
It is believed Griner, 31, was arrested in February.
"As a U.S. citizen was passing through the green channel at Sheremetyevo Airport upon arriving from New York, a working dog from the Sheremetyevo Customs canine department detected the possible presence of narcotic substances in the accompanying luggage," the Russian Federal Customs Service said in a statement.
"The customs inspection of the hand luggage 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 is a narcotic substance,” the statement said.
The charge of possession of narcotics in Russia can carry a maximum sentence of up to 10 years in prison.
"We are aware of and are closely monitoring the situation with Brittney Griner in Russia," the Phoenix Mercury said in a tweeted statement on Saturday. "We remain in constant contact with her family, her representation, the WNBA and NBA. We love and support Brittney and at this time our main concern is her safety, physical, and mental health, and her safe return home."
Shortly after news of Griner’s arrest broke, the U.S. government issued an advisory encouraging its citizens to leave the Russian Federation immediately amid ongoing conflict with Ukraine.