Jarred Dwayne Shaw, a 34-year-old American basketball player, has been arrested in Indonesia for allegedly attempting to smuggle illegal drugs into the country. According to local police on Thursday, Shaw was apprehended on May 7 following a raid at his apartment in Tangerang, near Jakarta, where authorities confiscated 132 cannabis-infused candies.
Indonesian law imposes severe penalties for drug-related offences, including the potential for execution by firing squad for convicted smugglers. Shaw’s arrest was prompted by a tip-off from airport customs officials, who noted that he had received a suspicious package from Thailand. As of November 2024, Thailand has decriminalised cannabis, which may have contributed to Shaw’s alleged activities.
During his arrest, a social media video appeared to show Shaw resisting police, calling for help as he was taken into custody. In addition to his basketball career in Indonesia, which began in 2022 and included a contract with the Tangerang Hawks, Shaw reportedly claimed he intended to share the cannabis candies with teammates. The total weight of the cannabis was recorded at 869 grams.
Police are continuing to investigate the international drug network linked to this case. Shaw did not make a public statement after being presented to the media, appearing in an orange detainee outfit with his hands restrained. The manager of the Tangerang Hawks, Tikky Suwantikno, expressed regret over Shaw’s actions and confirmed that he had been immediately dismissed from the club for breaching his contract. Additionally, the Indonesian Basketball League has imposed a lifetime ban on Shaw from playing in the league.
In a broader context, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime highlights Indonesia’s struggles with drug smuggling, despite its rigorous drug laws. The country has a significant number of individuals on death row, primarily for drug offences, highlighting the severe consequences faced by those involved in drug trafficking.