Brittney Griner's sentence is in line with Russia's strict drug penalties – but how long she serves will be decided outside the courtroom

An uncertain future. Evgenia Novozhenina/AFP via Getty Images

The sentencing of WNBA star Brittney Griner to nine years behind bars and a fine of 1 million rubles – between US$10,000 and $20,000 depending on the exchange rate – should come as no surprise to those familiar with Russian law.

The country has long enforced strict drug laws and has a well-deserved reputation for zero-tolerance jurisdiction.