American Basketball Player in Indonesia Faces Potential Death Penalty for Alleged Drug Trafficking
3 minute readPublished: Friday, May 16, 2025 at 3:37 am
American Basketball Player in Indonesia Faces Death Penalty for Alleged Drug Smuggling
A shocking case has emerged from Indonesia, where American basketball player Jarred Dwayne Shaw, 34, from Dallas, Texas, is facing the possibility of the death penalty. Shaw was arrested on May 7th in Tangerang regency, near Jakarta, after authorities found him in possession of 132 pieces of cannabis candies.
The arrest followed a tip from airport customs officials who flagged a suspicious package Shaw received via air freight from Thailand. While cannabis is decriminalized in Thailand, Indonesia maintains extremely strict anti-drug laws. Police chief Ronald Sipayung stated that Shaw could face life imprisonment or even execution by firing squad if convicted.
During interrogation, Shaw reportedly told police he intended to share the candies with fellow basketball players. The candies contained a total of 869 grams of illegal cannabinoid. A video circulating online shows Shaw resisting arrest, shouting for help.
Shaw played in the Indonesian Basketball League since 2022 and signed with the Tangerang Hawks last year. The club has since fired him, and the Indonesian Basketball League has banned him for life. Authorities are currently investigating to uncover the international drug network behind the case. Indonesia is known for its tough stance on drug-related crimes, with hundreds on death row, including many foreigners.
BNN's Perspective: This case highlights the stark contrast in drug laws between countries and the severe consequences of violating them. While the severity of the potential punishment is concerning, it also underscores the Indonesian government's commitment to combating drug trafficking. The case serves as a cautionary tale for anyone considering bringing illegal substances into the country.
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