WNBA star Brittney Griner to remain in Russian detention longer

Brittney Griner will be in a Russian prison through at least the beginning of July.

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The WNBA star is being held by Russian officials after they said they found vape cartridges that had hashish oil, which is illegal, in her bag, ABC News reported.

Griner is accused of drug smuggling, CNN reported.

The arrest happened on Feb. 17 and the 31-year-old center has been in custody since then.

>>Related: Jailed in Moscow: WNBA’s Brittney Griner’s pretrial detention extended for one month

The Russian court has extended her detention for another 18 days through July 2, according to Russian state media TASS and ABC News.

The reason given was a “request of the investigation,” court officials said.

>>Related: Brittney Griner receiving, responding to emails from WNBA players

Meanwhile, officials with the U.S. Department of State met with members of the Phoenix Mercury WNBA team, The Associated Press reported.

The State Department has said Griner is “wrongfully detained,” CNN reported.

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Through the years SAN ANTONIO - APRIL 04: Center Brittney Griner #42 of the Baylor Bears is pressured by Tina Charles #31 and Caroline Doty #5 of the Connecticut Huskies during the Women's Final Four Semifinals at the Alamodome on April 4, 2010 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images) (Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

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