'Your prayers and support are greatly appreciated': Russian officials detain WNBA star from Houston on drug charges

A WNBA star with Houston roots is currently detained in Russia on alleged drug offenses.

Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner, a Nimitz High School alumna, was taken into custody last month after Moscow airport officials discovered hashish oil in her luggage, according to ESPN.

Taken first by the Mercury in the 2013 WNBA Draft after leading Baylor to a national title, the 31-year-old Griner is a frequent visitor to Russia where she plays professionally during the WNBA offseason.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, ESPN reported, said his department is prepared to give detained American citizens like Griner "every possible assistance."

"We have an embassy team that's working on the cases of other Americans who are detained in Russia," Blinken said in a statement. "We're doing everything we can to see to it that their rights are upheld and respected."

Griner's arrest occurred just before Russia invaded Ukraine.

ESPN reported that the State Department issued a "do not travel" advisory in January that prohibits Americans from traveling to Russia due to the likelihood they'll face harassment and the U.S. Embassy there may not be able to offer full assistance.

The U.S. government issued another "do not travel" warning about a week after the war in Ukraine began.

Locally, Griner's spouse, Cherelle T. Griner, has received support and well-wishes since the arrest became known.

Houston CBS affiliate KHOU reported that Cherelle took to Instagram to thank those who reached out to her after the incident and appeal for privacy.

"Thank you to everyone who has reached out to me regarding my wife’s safe return from Russia," she wrote on the platform. "Your prayers and support are greatly appreciated. I love my wife wholeheartedly, so this message comes during one of the weakest moments of my life. I understand that many of you have grown to love BG over the years and have concerns and want details. Please honor our privacy as we continue to work on getting my wife home safely. Thank you!"

Change.org has a petition calling for the basketball star's release that has collected hundreds of signatures after it went live, KHOU reported.