The story of Jarred Shaw—once a promising college basketball talent—has taken a dark and potentially tragic turn. The 34-year-old American, who formerly played for Oklahoma State, Utah State, and briefly in the NBA G-League, is now facing the possibility of the death penalty in Indonesia after being arrested for alleged drug smuggling.
According to police in Jakarta, Shaw was arrested after a parcel containing 132 cannabis-infused candies was intercepted en route from Thailand. Indonesian authorities confirmed that the parcel was addressed to Shaw and that the candies contained Delta-9 THC, a compound found in marijuana that is classified as a narcotic under Indonesian law.
Police chief Ronald FC Sipayung and narcotics unit head Michael Tandayu indicated Shaw may face charges not only for possession but also for intent to distribute—a far more serious offense under Indonesia’s strict anti-drug laws. Reports from Indonesian outlet Bola.com suggest Shaw has admitted to ordering the candies and intended to share them with fellow basketball players.
Indonesia maintains some of the harshest drug laws in the world, and violations can carry life imprisonment or even execution by firing squad. While executions have slowed in recent years, the law remains in force, and foreign nationals are not exempt. As of late 2024, there were 96 foreign nationals on death row in Indonesia, primarily for drug offenses, according to data from the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections.
If convicted under Article 114 of Indonesia’s narcotics law—pertaining to the sale or distribution of illegal drugs—Shaw could face a minimum of six years, a life sentence, or capital punishment, depending on the court’s findings.
Jarred Shaw’s professional life in Indonesia is already over. The Tangerang Hawks of the Indonesian Basketball League (IBL) terminated his contract, citing a breach of contract.
“We take this matter very seriously and deeply regret the violation of the law committed by Jarred Shaw,” said team manager Tikky Suwantikno.
The Indonesian Basketball Association (PERBASI) and the IBL have both made it clear that Shaw will be blacklisted permanently from Indonesian basketball.
“We do not tolerate drug use in basketball,” said PERBASI chairman Budisatrio Djiwandono.
“Violators will be banned from participating or engaging in any activities within the IBL,” added IBL CEO Junas Miradiarsyah.
Shaw’s situation isn’t unique in Indonesia. The country has long been uncompromising in its war on drugs. Multiple foreign nationals, including Australians, British, and Nigerians, have faced similar charges, with several executed as recently as 2016. Indonesian law does not differentiate between recreational substances and hard narcotics in the context of trafficking or distribution.
