The American star of the women's basketball league, Brittney Griner, was arrested this Saturday at an airport near Moscow, Russia, apparently after an illegal substance derived from cannabis was found in her suitcase.
The arrest comes amid escalating conflict created by Russia's attack on Ukraine, with renewed threats from Russian President Vladimir Putin and failed attempts to bring about a temporary ceasefire to evacuate civilians.
The escalation of the conflict prompted the State Department to
advise US citizens to leave Russia immediately
in a travel alert issued on Saturday.
Brittney Griner warms up with her team, the Phoenix Mercury, for a game on October 10, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona.Mike Mattina/Getty Images
The announcement cited the invasion in Ukraine, the "potential harassment of US citizens by Russian government security officials" and the embassy's limited ability to assist its citizens in the country.
Concern for your safety and well-being
According to The New York Times, Griner was detained after Russia's Federal Customs Service discovered cartridges containing hashish oil in her luggage at Sheremetyevo airport near Moscow.
USA Basketball responded to news of Griner's arrest with a statement saying the player is involved in a legal situation in Russia and that they are monitoring the situation.
[The flow of Ukrainian refugees in Poland grows. Authorities fear being overwhelmed]
"Brittney has always conducted herself with the utmost professionalism during her long tenure with USA Basketball and her safety and well-being are our top concerns," he said in a post on Twitter.
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Griner plays for the Phoenix Mercury in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA).
The team said in a statement that she has been in contact with her family and her representative, NBC News reported.
"We love and support Brittney and at this time
our main concern is her safety, her physical and mental health and her safe return home
," he said.
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