US star Brittney Griner arrested at Moscow airport
She won two Olympic medals with the US women’s basketball team and is considered a star in the USA. Brittney Griner is said to have been arrested at Moscow Airport. The reason: carrying drugs.
According to a report in the New York Times, two-time gold medalist Brittney Griner was arrested at Moscow Airport. This was announced by the Russian Federal Customs Service on Saturday, without naming a name. Russian news agency TASS, citing a law enforcement source, identified the player as a Griner.
The 31-year-old basketball player allegedly had vape cartridges (a type of electronic cigarette) with her that contained hash oil. According to the customs authorities, the airport check took place in February, so Griner may have been in custody for a few days.
Griner is said to face ten years in prison
Trial proceedings are said to have been initiated against Griner for the large-scale transport of drugs, which in Russia can be punished with up to ten years in prison. The investigation is ongoing, the report said.
A Griner representative said: “We are aware of Brittney Griner’s situation in Russia and are in close contact with her, her legal counsel in Russia, her family, her teams and the WNBA (United States Women’s Basketball Association) and the NBA.”
The WNBA promised Griner their full support. It is now a top priority that Griner can safely return to the USA. The Phoenix Mercury, where Griner is under contract, and the WNBA players’ union also expressed their full support with their statements.
