US reclassifies WNBA star Brittney Griner to be 'wrongfully detained' 

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US reclassifies WNBA star Brittney Griner to be 'wrongfully detained' by Russia

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U.S. Department of State says that Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner was wrongfully detained by the Russian government as efforts continue to get her back home.

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Griner was arrested and detained in February after the Russian Federal Customs Service said they found vape cartridges with cannabis oil cartridges in her carry-on luggage.

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A drug smuggling charge carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison.

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The Department of State has determined that the Russian Federation has wrongfully detained U.S. citizen Brittney Griner.

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With this determination, the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs Roger Carstens will lead the interagency team for securing Brittney Griner's release.

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The new designation by the government could mean a shift in strategy to get Griner home. She is set to have a hearing May 19.

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The league continues to monitor the situation in Russia and support Griner as they will continue to pay her full salary.

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