American Basketball Player Faces Death Penalty in Indonesia Over Cannabis Candy
An American basketball player is facing possible execution in Indonesia after allegedly trying to smuggle 132 pieces of THC-infused candy into the country — a stark reminder of the severe consequences cannabis can carry abroad.
Arrested Over Delta-9 Gummies
Jarred Dwayne Shaw, a 34-year-old former college basketball standout from Dallas, Texas, was arrested on May 7th after Indonesian police raided his apartment in Cisauk, just outside Jakarta. The raid came after authorities flagged a package from Thailand addressed to him, which was found to contain 869 grams (30.6 ounces) of cannabis-laced candy.
Shaw, who has been playing professionally in the Indonesian Basketball League since 2022, reportedly told police he had intended to share the edibles with teammates. He now faces the death penalty by firing squad if convicted — a legal punishment still on the books for drug offenses in Indonesia.
Cannabis Still Strictly Illegal in Indonesia
Although cannabis has been decriminalized in Thailand since November 2024, Indonesia maintains some of the strictest drug laws in the world. Even small-scale possession can result in lengthy prison sentences, and trafficking charges — including through the mail — carry life sentences or execution.
Authorities say they are continuing to investigate the case, including whether Shaw was connected to a wider trafficking network. Airport police claim to have video of Shaw resisting arrest, shouting “Help… help!” as officers detained him.
Fired, Banned, and Compared to Brittney Griner
Following his arrest, Shaw was fired from his club, the Tangerang Hawks, and banned for life by the Indonesian Basketball League. The team posted a now-controversial Instagram image of him with the caption “Thank You” superimposed.
His case immediately drew comparisons to WNBA star Brittney Griner, who was sentenced to nine years in Russian prison in 2022 for cannabis vape cartridges, before being released in a high-profile U.S. prisoner swap.
Global Attention, Harsh Realities
Indonesia currently has over 530 people on death row, including 96 foreigners, mostly for drug-related crimes. Despite the international scrutiny, the country remains firm in its drug policy. The last executions took place in 2016, but dozens more are eligible.
As the case of Jarred Shaw unfolds, it reignites global debate around cannabis laws, criminal justice disparities, and the devastating consequences of crossing borders with cannabis products — no matter how small or edible they may seem.
