Brittney Griner Remains Detained in Russia Following Arrest Over Vape Cartridges

Brittney Griner Remains Detained in Russia , Following Arrest Over Vape Cartridges.

'The New York Times' reports that on March 5, Russia said it had detained the 31-year-old WNBA star on drug charges.

'The New York Times' reports that on March 5, Russia said it had detained the 31-year-old WNBA star on drug charges.

According to the Russian Federal Customs Service, vape cartridges containing hashish oil were found in Griner's luggage.

NBC reports Griner faces up to 10 years in prison for the offense.

CNN reports that a U.S. House Armed Services Committee member said, "it's going to be very difficult" to get Griner out of the country.

CNN reports that a U.S. House Armed Services Committee member said, "it's going to be very difficult" to get Griner out of the country.

As stated by Rep.

John Garamendi of California, "our diplomatic relationships with Russia are nonexistent at the moment," due to the Ukraine crisis.

As stated by Rep.

John Garamendi of California, "our diplomatic relationships with Russia are nonexistent at the moment," due to the Ukraine crisis.

Garamendi also pointed out that "Russia has some very, very strict LGBT rules and laws," which may affect Griner, who is married to a woman.

Griner's wife, Cherelle, took to Instagram on March 6 to thank fans for their support during this difficult time.

Meanwhile, Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged any Americans currently in Russia to leave the country and promised to work to free detained Americans.

Whenever an American is detained anywhere in the world, we, of course, stand ready to provide every possible assistance, and that includes in Russia, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, via NPR.

NPR reports two other Americans who've been detained in the country are former Marines Paul Whelan and Trevor Reed, who were arrested in 2018 and 2020, respectively