A court in Russia has sentenced American basketball player Brittney Griner to nine years in prison for drug smuggling and possession. The decision drew a strong rebuke from US President Joe Biden.

Griner is a two-time Olympic champion who played for professional teams in both the US and Russia. She was detained at an airport near Moscow in February. Authorities say she was carrying cannabis oil in her baggage.

In addition to imposing a prison sentence of nine-and-a-half years, the court fined her about 16,000 dollars.

Biden slammed the decision as "unacceptable." He called on the Russians to release her "immediately" and said officials will work "tirelessly" to have her freed.

The administration had earlier proposed a prisoner swap, which would have included Griner and another US citizen, Paul Whelan. He was detained on espionage charges in 2018.

Russian authorities defended the verdict. They said it was made in accordance with the law and that it was not politically motivated.