American Basketball Player Arrested in Indonesia on Drug Charges, Faces Possible Death Penalty
An American professional basketball player has been arrested in Indonesia on suspicion of drug smuggling, a serious offense that could carry the death penalty under the country’s strict narcotics laws.
Jarred Dwayne Shaw, 34, a native of Dallas, Texas, was taken into custody on May 7 after authorities raided his apartment in Tangerang, a suburb of Jakarta. During the raid, police seized 132 cannabis-infused candies, according to Ronald Sipayung, chief of the Soekarno-Hatta Airport Police.
The arrest followed a tip-off from airport customs officers who flagged a suspicious package Shaw had received from Thailand — where cannabis has been decriminalized since November 2024. However, under Indonesia’s zero-tolerance drug policy, Shaw could face life in prison or the death penalty if convicted.
Footage shared on social media appears to show Shaw resisting arrest, wearing a black T-shirt and shorts and shouting “Help … help!” as officers detained him.
Shaw has played in the Indonesian Basketball League (IBL) since 2022 and most recently signed with the Tangerang Hawks. During police interrogation, Shaw allegedly admitted he intended to distribute the cannabis-laced sweets among fellow players. The total gross weight of the contraband was nearly 870 grams (30.6 ounces), police said.
“We are continuing our investigation to uncover any international drug networks connected to this case and prevent further distribution,” said Sipayung.
Authorities presented Shaw to the media on Wednesday wearing an orange prison uniform and a face mask, his hands bound. He made no public statement.
Following the arrest, the Tangerang Hawks immediately terminated Shaw’s contract. “We deeply regret his actions, which violated team policy and contract terms,” said team manager Tikky Suwantikno.
The Indonesian Basketball League has also issued Shaw a lifetime ban. “There is no place in Indonesian basketball for anyone involved in drugs,” said IBL chair Budisatrio Djiwandono. “We uphold a zero-tolerance policy.”
Indonesia remains one of the strictest countries in the world regarding drug offenses. Despite this, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime has identified the nation as a key target for international drug syndicates, due in part to its large youth population.
According to the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections, over 530 individuals are currently on death row in Indonesia for drug-related crimes, including 96 foreign nationals. The country’s most recent executions — one Indonesian and three foreigners — took place in July 2016.
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