US basketball star Brittney Griner still detained in Russia after February arrest

US basketball star Brittney Griner is still stuck in Russia after being arrested in Moscow in February over drug charges, although details are scarce and her current whereabouts unknown.

The two-time Olympic gold medallist was arrested at a Moscow airport in February, accused of smuggling significant amounts of a narcotic substance after she was found with cannabis oil in her luggage.

The offence carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison in Russia, making her situation extremely serious.

Little information has been released, with the exact date of her arrest not known and her current location not clear, although Russia state media did release a photo of Griner holding a sign up, said to be in custody at a police station.

The 31-year-old had been in Russia playing in the WNBA off-season for UMMC Ekaterinburg, who she has competed for since 2014.

CNN report that the Biden administration is aware of the situation and working to release Griner and have her returned to the States.

The WNBA. said in a statement that Griner, ‘has the W.N.B.A.’s full support and our main priority is her swift and safe return to the United States.’

Griner’s wife, Cherelle, wrote on Instagram on Monday: ‘We love you babe! People say “stay busy.” Yet, there’s not a task in this world that could keep any of us from worrying about you.

‘My heart, our hearts, are all skipping beats everyday that goes by. I miss your voice. I miss your presence. You’re our person! There are no words to express this pain. I’m hurting, we’re hurting. We await the day to love on you as a family.’

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