Russian officials have detained WNBA start Brittney Griner at an airport for after they allegedly found hashish oil among her possessions, according to a report from The New York Times.
Griner, a seven-time WNBA all-star who plays for the Phoenix Mercury, was detained by the Russian Federal Customs Service for possession of vape cartridges containing the oil at Sheremetyevo airport, according to the paper.
The Customs Service said that its officials had detained a U.S. player who had won two Olympic gold medals, but did not release her name. Griner competed for the U.S. Women's Basketball team in 2016 and 2021.
Russian news agency TASS later reported that it was Griner after confirmation from law enforcement.
The Customs Service said in its statement that it had opened a criminal case into the transportation of drugs and that the player had been detained amid an investigation.
Transportation of drugs in Russia can result in a sentence of up to 10 years in prison.
Griner, like many other WNBA players compete in Russia during the off season where they can often obtain more lucrative contracts. Griner has played for UMMC Ekaterinburg for several years, according to the Times.
Many players began to leave Russia following Russian President Vladimir Putin's announcement that the country's military would invade Ukraine.
The WNBA previously confirmed that it was “in contact with WNBA players who are in Russia, either directly or through their agents.”
The Russia-Ukraine conflict has shaken the sports world as Russian athletes in several sports have called for peace with Ukraine.
Washington Capitals forward Alexander Ovechkin called for "no more war" with Ukraine following a practice in February.
"Please, no more war. It doesn't matter who is in the war — Russia, Ukraine, different countries — we have to live in peace," he said at the time.
The Hill has reached out to the WNBA, Mercury and the U.S. State Department for comment.
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