Russia, US basketball player Griner arrested for “drug possession”

The well-known American basketball player, Brittney Griner, was arrested in Russia, at Moscow’s Sheremetievo airport, on suspicion of being in possession of hashish oil. Due to the war in Ukraine, the New York Times reports, this could become a potential diplomatic case. The news comes as the State Department issued a warning to Americans to leave Russia “immediately”. Griner plays on the American Phoenix Mercury team and has been selected seven times for All Star. She played on the US team of the 2016 and 2021 Olympics. Like many other WNBA players, Griner plays in Russia when it is not a season in the US, due to the high wages offered. She has been on the Umcc Ekaterinburg team for years. The Russian Customs Service had initially announced the detention of an American athlete who had won Olympic medals. Only later did the Tass news agency confirmed that it was Brittney Griner, adding that she was charged with drug possession, a crime for which up to ten years in prison are foreseen.