Brittney Griner's wife posts on Instagram about WNBA star's detainment in Russia

WNBA star Brittney Griner's wife has posted on Instagram about the Phoenix Mercury player's detention in Russia.

Russian officials said Griner was detained after they found vape cartridges containing oil derived from cannabis in her luggage at the Sheremetyevo airport near Moscow.

The offense could carry a sentence of up to 10 years in prison.

Griner's wife, Cherelle Griner, posted an image of her and her wife Saturday on Instagram, thanking supporters and asking for privacy as the family navigates returning Brittney Griner home.

"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," Cherelle Griner wrote.

She acknowledged that many people were hoping for more details about Brittney Griner's status.

"I understand that many of you have grown to love BG over the years and have concerns and want details," she wrote. "Please honor our privacy as we continue to work on getting my wife home safely."

Griner, a center for the Mercury, has played in Russia in the winter for the last seven years.

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She last played for her Russian team, UMMC Ekaterinburg, on Jan. 29 before the league took a two-week break in early February for the FIBA World Cup qualifying tournaments.

The Mercury said in a statement that it has been in contact with her family and representative.

“We love and support Brittney and at this time our main concern is her safety, physical and mental health, and her safe return home,” the team said.

USA Basketball tweeted that it was closely monitoring the situation.

"Brittney has always handled herself with the utmost professionalism during her long tenure with USA Basketball and her safety and wellbeing are our primary concerns," the tweet said.

The State Department has issued a “do not travel” advisory for U.S. citizens thinking of heading to Russia and urged all U.S. citizens to leave immediately as the conflict between Russia and Ukraine escalates.