Moscow, Europe Brief News – Britteny Griner, One of America’s most versatile women’s basketball players held by Russian Federal Customs Authorities at the airport. The athlete was accused of carrying Vape cartridges containing hashish oil in her luggage.
The Custom services initially did not mention the name of the athlete in their statement on Saturday but confirmed that they have held an American basketball Athlete who played in the women’s National basketball association.
Russia’s state-controlled Tass news agency identified the player as Griner, as a seven-time All-star centre with the WNBA”s Phoenix mercury that helped lead Team USA to win gold at the Rio and Tokyo Olympic games.
Custom services stated that drug-sniffing dogs in the airport’s customs area identified the possible presence of Narcotic drugs in the player’s baggage following her arrival on a flight from New York.
Russian Law
They further added that the subsequent search of the luggage led to the discovery of cartridges. Carrying cartridges is deemed illegal in Russian law and the person could potentially have to serve a five to ten-year jail sentence.
The Customs services have launched the video on Saturday in which the airport security services are checking the luggage of a passenger identified as Griner.
Lindsay Colas, Griner’s agent said in a statement “We are aware of the situation with Brittney Griner in Russia and are in close contact with her, her legal representation in Russia, her family, her teams, and the WNBA and NBA”.
She further added, “ as this is an ongoing legal matter, we are not able to comment further on the specifics of her case but can confirm that as we work to get her home, her mental and physical health remain our primary concern”.
The WNBA declared that they are available to help Griner and their only goal is her swift and safe return to the United States.
Britteny Griner led Phoenix to its third-ever title in 2014 and made a surprise return to the WNBA finals in October. She was playing for UMMC Ekaterinburg during the offseason since 2015 and managed to help the Russian club win three domestic titles with her presence.
It is uncertain how long the Griner has been under custody. As per Saturday’s statement, it is evident that the incident took place in February.
She last played for UMMC on January 29 and has not been active on social media since 5 February.
