WNBA megastar Brittany Griner was arrested at the Sheremetyevo Airport near Moscow after a drug-sniffing dog alerted on her bags. Russian customs officials removed vape pens that appeared to have hashish oil in them. She faces a lengthy sentence if convicted of these crimes.
The last thing the US needs is an international incident with Russia, but one may be in the making after Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) megastar Brittany Griner was arrested by Moscow authorities on drug charges.
According to a Yahoo News report, Griner, who plays for the Phoenix Mercury and is a 2-time Olympic gold medalist, was traveling through airport security at the Sheremetyevo Airport in early February near Moscow when a drug-sniffing dog alerted on her bags.
After further inspection, at least two vape pens were removed from her belongings containing what is reportedly hashish oil – an illegal substance in Russia.
Griner, like many WNBA players, plays in Russian during the WNBA offseason to earn extra money. While no statement has been released by Griner, the Phoenix Mercury, her US-based club offered this statement:
“We are aware of and are closely monitoring the situation with Brittney Griner in Russia. 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.”
Phoenix Mercury
Drug charges of this nature can result in sentences between 5 to 10 years if found guilty.
According to the Yahoo report, a Russian source stated that the Customs Service has opened a criminal case into large-scale transportation of drugs. Griner remains in Russia currently, now going on several weeks.
