A manager with the Tangerang Hawks told the AP that the team regrets Shaw’s actions and has terminated his contract for breaching its terms. American scholar Paul Chambers was arrested last month and accused of insulting the Thai monarchy. Several convicted drug smugglers have been executed by firing squad in the past, according to a FOX News report. Cannabis was decriminalized in Thailand in November 2024, but Indonesia has some of the world’s strictest drug laws. Since 2021, we have been a trusted source for millions of readers seeking relevant and reliable news. Cannabis is illegal in Indonesia under the country’s strict anti-drug laws. The perfect gift for understanding news from all angles. Get the latest news, exclusive insights, and curated content delivered straight to your inbox. Authorities are also investigating possible links to international drug networks. The Tangerang Hawks terminated Shaw's contract and the Indonesian Basketball League banned him for life, emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy. Watch local news, weather, and live events on Roku, Fire TV, and more — just search “FOX LOCAL” He played college basketball at Oklahoma State and Utah State. "We don’t tolerate players, administrators or anyone in the field involved in drugs," Djiwandono added. During basketball’s off-season, Shaw lives in Thailand, where cannabis was decriminalized in 2022.“They’re making it seem like I’m this big drug dealer,” Shaw said.They’re telling me I could spend my whole life in prison for some cannabis edibles...On May 7, 2025, Jarred Shaw was arrested in the lobby of his apartment building in Indonesia when he went to pick up a package that, according to him, contained THC-infused gummies for medical use.While admitting his mistake, he insists it shouldn’t carry the death penalty or years behind bars.The Indonesian Basketball League (IBL) issued a lifetime ban for Shaw due to his arrest.He reportedly told police he intended to share the candies with other players.He faces a potential death sentence or a lengthy prison term, a situation he describes as astonishing.A manager with the Tangerang Hawks told the AP that the team regrets Shaw’s actions and has terminated his contract for breaching its terms.“People are telling me I’m going to spend the rest of my life in prison for some edible gummies. The 35-year-old athlete —a former IBL champion with Prawira Bandung who also played in Argentina, Japan, Turkey, Thailand, and Tunisia— is currently being held in pretrial custody in Jakarta after collecting a $400 pack of THC gummies. Jarred Shaw, a 35-year-old basketball player who has spent recent seasons in Indonesia, has broken his silence five months after his arrest for cannabis possession. When one society recognizes that certain cannabis extracts can ease pain, while another punishes possession of an edible with the death penalty, the conversation extends far beyond one player or one league. Hours later, he was paraded before the media in handcuffs and an orange prison shirt at a police press conference, standing beside a table displaying 132 gummies that Indonesian authorities valued at $400 and said weighed a total of 869 grams. On May 7, 2025, Jarred Shaw was arrested in the lobby of his apartment building in Indonesia when he went to pick up a package that, according to him, contained THC-infused gummies for medical use. Across the world, extremely harsh sentences are imposed for nonviolent cannabis offenses that pose no threat to public health. Stephanie Shepard, an advisor with the Last Prisoner Project (LPP) — an organization that campaigns for the release of people imprisoned solely for cannabis-related offenses — has come to Shaw’s defense. But why would I want to sell cannabis here? At his first court appearance, police presented 869 grams of gummy bears — merchandise worth around $400 on the market. Currently, over 500 people are on death row due to drug-related offenses — 100 of those are foreigners.Get notified of our the latest cannabis news, exclusive brand deals, events updates and more!Shaw, in the U.S., previously played college basketball at Oklahoma State and Utah State.Shaw, 34, can face severe consequences, including the death penalty or life imprisonment.Authorities said JDS intended to distribute the cannabis candy to fellow athletes in Indonesia and had plans to expand the operation if sales proved successful.Indonesiasentinel.com is an independent online news portal committed to providing accurate, in-depth, and up-to-date news about Indonesia.Authorities said the package contained candies laced with a total of 869 grams (30.6 ounces) of illegal cannabis.Cannabis was decriminalized in Thailand in November 2024, but Indonesia has some of the world’s strictest drug laws. Police received a tip from the airport’s customs that Shaw received a suspicious package from Thailand, where cannabis was decriminalized in November 2024, Sipayung said. Shaw, 34, was arrested May 7 after police raided his apartment outside the capital city Jakarta and seized 132 cannabis candies weighing 869 grams, according to Ronald Sipayung, police chief at Soekarno-Hatta Airport. He reportedly told police he intended to share the candies with other players. Shaw faces charges that could result in a life sentence or the death penalty under Indonesia's strict anti-drug laws, which have led to executions in similar cases. Connecticut Bill Would Replace THC-Based Marijuana Tax With Flat Excise Tax You can find more news stories by clicking here, and you can sign up for daily news updates by clicking here.Shaw told The Guardian in an interview from pre-trial detention in Jakarta that he made a “stupid mistake” but emphasized that he relies on cannabis for medical relief.American basketball player Jarred Shaw could face the death penalty after allegedly bringing in drugs to IndonesiaThese months since I was arrested have been the worst of my life.The chairman of the Indonesian Basketball Association said it does not tolerate drug use in basketball.Police searched Shaw's apartment and allegedly found more than 100 pieces of Delta-9 THC cannabis candies.According to Indonesian authorities, customs officials at Soekarno-Hatta Airport intercepted 20 packages containing the illicit candies.Under the country’s regulations, Shaw could face a life sentence or the death penalty if convicted.There are no medications, and the only thing that helps my stomach pain is cannabis. According to Indonesian authorities, customs officials at Soekarno-Hatta Airport intercepted 20 packages containing the illicit candies. In 2016, one Indonesian and three foreign nationals were executed by firing squad, and there are currently around 500 prisoners — about 100 of them foreigners — on death row for drug-related crimes. In Indonesia, drug trafficking offenses can carry the death penalty. Bali Subak, Indonesia’s World Heritage Facing Challenges Amid Tourism Development Soekarno-Hatta Airport Police Chief Ronald Sipayung told the AP the raid followed a tip from airport customs officials, who flagged a suspicious package Shaw received from Thailand. Following the discovery, authorities tracked the package to its intended recipient, JDS who was a basketball athlete plays for an Indonesian team. According to police, JDS attempted to bring the cannabis-infused edibles into the country via a shipment processed through the airport’s cargo area. Innovillage 2025 Officially Launched: Empowering Indonesian Students to Create Socially Impactful Digital Innovations The perfect gift for understanding news from all angles.He played college basketball at Oklahoma State and Utah State.Now 35, Shaw said he still hopes to continue his basketball career, but his future depends on the outcome of a case that could leave him imprisoned indefinitely—or worse—under Indonesia’s strict anti-drug laws.There is no other medicine besides cannabis that stops my stomach pains,” Shaw stated during a phone call from the prison on the outskirts of Jakarta.Shaw faces a up to a life sentence or death penalty in found guilty, according to Sipayung.During questioning, Shaw allegedly told police he intended to share the cannabis candy with his basketball teammates, according to Sipayung.Under Indonesia's strict anti-drug laws, he risks life imprisonment or even the death penalty if convicted. Shaw’s arrest speaks to the deeply fractured way in which charges related to cannabis trigger inhumane and destructive punishments. He has just turned 35, and wants to continue his basketball career. “I don’t use (cannabis) to have fun and go party,” Shaw explained in his interview. In a phone interview with The Guardian, Shaw explained that he uses cannabis to manage painful inflammatory symptoms from Crohn’s Disease. Kansas Bill to Legalize Recreational Marijuana Filed by 19 Lawmakers While Shaw has previously avoided cannabis use while in Indonesia, his symptoms became so debilitating and painful that he imported 132 gummies to quell his symptoms. During basketball’s off-season, Shaw lives in Thailand, where cannabis was decriminalized in 2022. The chairman of the Indonesian Basketball Association said it does not tolerate drug use in basketball. Shaw described his early detention as the darkest period of his life. “They’re making it seem like I’m this big drug dealer,” Shaw said. He says this greatly exaggerates the situation, noting most of the weight was from non-cannabis ingredients. Authorities charged Shaw as if he possessed nearly a kilogram of marijuana, as the gummies weighed 869 grams in total. There’s no medicine apart from cannabis that stops my stomach from aching.” For the first two months after my arrest, I was at the lowest point of my life and in a very dark mental state. There is no other medicine besides cannabis that stops my stomach pains,” Shaw stated during a phone call from the prison on the outskirts of Jakarta. He faces a potential death sentence or a lengthy prison term, a situation he describes as astonishing. Meanwhile, Shaw spends his off-season in Thailand, where cannabis laws have been significantly more relaxed in recent years. Indonesia enforces some of the harshest drug laws in the world. A report by Harm Reduction International revealed that several countries —including the United States— have spent millions of dollars funding Indonesia’s punitive drug enforcement policies. There’s no medicine apart from cannabis that stops my stomach from aching… I don’t use it to have fun and go party… With my stomach condition, sometimes it’s hard for me to keep food down or go to the toilet. Even if he made a mistake, he says, his mishap should not warrant the death penalty or a long sentence. Therefore, he could face life in prison or even the death penalty if found guilty. Though the total weight of gummies in Shaw’s possession was about 869 grams, Indonesian police charged Shaw for possession of nearly a kilo, which is 1000 grams. Currently, over 500 people are on death row due to drug-related offenses — 100 of those are foreigners. Indonesia has a deeply strict policy when it comes to any drug-related charge; a death row sentence carried out by firing squad. The initial charge is for possession of one kilogram of cannabis. What they see as a drug, to me is medicine. His recovery, he says, began thanks to his faith and the prison’s permission to use the gym and leave the cell he shares with twelve other men. US born basketball player Jarred Shaw, a standout in Indonesia’s professional league, was arrested in May for importing 132 THC-infused gummies to treat his Crohn’s disease. Indonesian police view text messages sent by Shaw, in which he allegedly offered to share gummies with his teammates, as evidence of widespread drug distribution. Shaw told police during an interrogation that he intended to share the cannabis candies with his teammates, according to Sipayung. American basketball player Jarred Shaw was arrested after he allegedly attempted to bring illegal drugs into Indonesia, where he plays professionally. Indonesian Provinces Lead in Sex Worker Locations, West Java Ranks First! Police claim it contained nearly 869 grams of “cannabis” and have not ruled out charges carrying a potential life sentence… or even the death penalty. If convicted, he could be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison, life imprisonment, or even the death penalty. “We have zero tolerance for drug use in basketball—whether by players, officials, or staff,” said Chairman Budisatrio Djiwandono. "An offense involving candies containing Delta 9 THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) implicating basketball athlete JDS was handled by the Narcotics Unit of Soekarno-Hatta Airport Police," airport police chief Ronald Sipayung said.Soekarno-Hatta Airport Police Chief Ronald Sipayung told the AP the raid followed a tip from airport customs officials, who flagged a suspicious package Shaw received from Thailand.Indonesia enforces a very strict drug policy.Authorities are also investigating possible links to international drug networks.Police chief at Soekarno-Hatta Airport, Ronald Sipayung had stated that a tip had come in to airport customs that Shaw had received a 'suspicious airway package from Thailand', where it is legal.US born basketball player Jarred Shaw, a standout in Indonesia’s professional league, was arrested in May for importing 132 THC-infused gummies to treat his Crohn’s disease.The Dallas native played college basketball at Oklahoma State and Utah State and was selected by the Santa Cruz Warriors in the 2015 NBA Development League Draft. American basketball player Jarred Shaw could face the death penalty after allegedly bringing in drugs to Indonesia An American basketball player caught with cannabis in Indonesia has broken his silence five months after his arrest, facing a possible death sentence. Police claim that the package’s gross weight constitutes a significant amount of drugs, and allege that Shaw had messaged teammates saying he planned to share some of the gummies. According to Indonesian authorities, Shaw could receive a life sentence or the death penalty if convicted. He did not make a statement when he was presented by authorities on Wednesday, wearing an orange detainee T-shirt and a mask with his hands tied. “We are still running the investigation to uncover the international drugs network behind this case and to stop its distribution,” he added. “An offense involving candies containing Delta 9 THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) implicating basketball athlete JDS was handled by the Narcotics Unit of Soekarno-Hatta Airport Police,” Sipayung said. The firing squad was last used in 2016 for narcotics cases, and today, hundreds of people —including nearly a hundred foreigners— remain on death row, most for drug offenses. In 2021 alone, the same year the country received such funds, Indonesia issued 89 death sentences for drug-related crimes. Shaw is now facing serious legal consequences under Indonesia’s strict narcotics laws, which classify marijuana as a Class I drug. "We don't tolerate players, administrators, or anyone in the field involved in drugs," IBL chairman Budisatrio Djiwandono said. The Dallas native played college basketball at Oklahoma State and Utah State and was selected by the Santa Cruz Warriors in the 2015 NBA Development League Draft. A country with some of the strictest drug laws in the world. Unfortunately for Shaw, cannabis in all forms is illegal in Indonesia ... Jarred Shaw, a 35-year-old basketball player who has spent recent seasons in Indonesia, has broken his silence five months after his arrest for cannabis possession.He had received the illegal goods along with medication for his Crohn’s disease and was arrested in May by around ten plainclothes officers — a moment captured on social media — while picking up the package in his hotel lobby.About 530 people are on death row in Indonesia, largely for drug-related offenses, including nearly 100 foreigners, according to Ministry of Immigration and Corrections data from December 2024, AP reports.The package contained 132 gummies, weighing 869 grams.Shaw’s arrest speaks to the deeply fractured way in which charges related to cannabis trigger inhumane and destructive punishments.When one society recognizes that certain cannabis extracts can ease pain, while another punishes possession of an edible with the death penalty, the conversation extends far beyond one player or one league.There’s no medicine apart from cannabis that stops my stomach from aching… I don’t use it to have fun and go party… With my stomach condition, sometimes it’s hard for me to keep food down or go to the toilet.“If you’ve ever benefited from his generosity, laughed with him, or shared in the good times he created, now is the moment to stand up for him when he needs it most.”Following the discovery, authorities tracked the package to its intended recipient, JDS who was a basketball athlete plays for an Indonesian team. American basketball player could face death penalty for drug smuggling in Indonesia “I use cannabis as a medicine,” Shaw said. Indonesia enforces some of the harshest drug laws in the world, including for marijuana. “If you’ve ever benefited from his generosity, laughed with him, or shared in the good times he created, now is the moment to stand up for him when he needs it most.” Donte West, who works at the LPP and is managing Shaw’s case, told The Guardian “Cannabis can’t kill you, but possessing it can. The Last Prisoner Project (LPP), a nonprofit that advocates for people incarcerated due to cannabis-related charges, aims to help Shaw return home to his family. After the arrest, Shaw was immediately banned from the league with his team releasing him “We are continuing the investigation to uncover the international drug network behind this case and to stop distribution,” Sipayung said. Indonesia enforces a very strict drug policy. Why would I bring gummies here to sell them? They’re making it seem like I’m a big drug trafficker. While admitting his mistake, he insists it shouldn’t carry the death penalty or years behind bars. But when his condition worsened, he broke the rules and ordered those 132 illegal gummy bears — in Indonesia, a country far less lenient with cannabis than Thailand. There are no medications, and the only thing that helps my stomach pain is cannabis. There, in Indonesia, his career and his life have taken a dramatic turn. Law enforcement raided Shaw's apartment in Tangerang regency and said they seized 132 candies laced with cannabis. After going undrafted, Shaw moved to Turkey to play in Ankara, before finding his way back to the United States while playing for the Golden State Warriors' G-league team in the Santa Cruz Warriors. Shaw had been an NBA prospect before going to play across the world, starring for both Oklahoma State and Utah State, hoping to make it into the league while being in the 2014 draft. Tikky Suwantikno, his former team's manager, told reporters on Thursday that the team were disappointed by Shaw’s actions and stated that he'd been fired. Indonesiasentinel.com is an independent online news portal committed to providing accurate, in-depth, and up-to-date news about Indonesia. Police are continuing their investigation into the broader drug trafficking network involved in smuggling marijuana disguised as candy. He also plans on using it himself as a form of relaxations after activity and for lifestyle reasons. Authorities said JDS intended to distribute the cannabis candy to fellow athletes in Indonesia and had plans to expand the operation if sales proved successful. Narcotics unit chief AKP Michael Tandayu said JDS had ordered the drug-laced candy about a month ago from an acquaintance in Thailand. The Indonesian Basketball League (IBL) issued a lifetime ban for Shaw due to his arrest. Shaw has spent the last few years playing professional basketball for Indonesia’s Tangerang Hawks. Shaw, in the U.S., previously played college basketball at Oklahoma State and Utah State. Officials say a package was sent from Thailand to Shaw's apartment. Police searched Shaw's apartment and allegedly found more than 100 pieces of Delta-9 THC cannabis candies. Jarred Shaw (Dallas, 35) is a 6-foot-11 forward-center who played college basketball for the Oklahoma State Cowboys (2009–11) and the Utah State Aggies (2012–14). All the news you need to know, every day You can find more news stories by clicking here, and you can sign up for daily news updates by clicking here. The Indonesian Basketball League has issued a lifetime ban against Shaw, according to league chair Budisatrio Djiwandono. Under the country’s regulations, Shaw could face a life sentence or the death penalty if convicted. Authorities said the package contained candies laced with a total of 869 grams (30.6 ounces) of illegal cannabis. Police seized 20 packages containing a total of 132 cannabis candies, weighing approximately 869 grams. The package contained 132 gummies, weighing 869 grams. Jarred Shaw maintains he ordered the cannabis gummies to treat his Crohn's disease and alleviate pain. I made a foolish mistake,” the basketball player added. “People are telling me I’m going to spend the rest of my life in prison for some edible gummies. Get notified of our the latest cannabis news, exclusive brand deals, events updates and more! Authorities accuse him of attempting to smuggle drugs into the country.Indonesian police view text messages sent by Shaw, in which he allegedly offered to share gummies with his teammates, as evidence of widespread drug distribution.Even if he made a mistake, he says, his mishap should not warrant the death penalty or a long sentence.Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment.I made a foolish mistake,” the basketball player added.An American basketball player caught with cannabis in Indonesia has broken his silence five months after his arrest, facing a possible death sentence.Tikky Suwantikno, his former team's manager, told reporters on Thursday that the team were disappointed by Shaw’s actions and stated that he'd been fired. “There is no room for drug users in the basketball world.” About 530 people are on death row in Indonesia, largely for drug-related offenses, including nearly 100 foreigners, according to Ministry of Immigration and Corrections data from December 2024, AP reports. Shaw faces a up to a life sentence or death penalty in found guilty, according to Sipayung. These months since I was arrested have been the worst of my life. They’re telling me I could spend my whole life in prison for some cannabis edibles... He had received the illegal goods along with medication for his Crohn’s disease and was arrested in May by around ten plainclothes officers — a moment captured on social media — while picking up the package in his hotel lobby. “He was testing the product, and if it proved successful, he planned to place additional orders,” said police officer Michael Tandayu. Shaw was arrested shortly after at his apartment in BSD City. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. JAKARTA, Indonesia -- Jarred Shaw, an American basketball player who plays in the Indonesia Basketball League, was arrested on accusations of smuggling illegal drugs to the country, authorities said Thursday. During questioning, Shaw allegedly told police he intended to share the cannabis candy with his basketball teammates, according to Sipayung. DALLAS - A Dallas native and professional basketball player has been arrested in Indonesia after police allegedly found more than 130 pieces of cannabis-infused candy in his apartment. Former college basketball player Jarred Shaw could face the death penalty after he was arrested in Indonesia for allegedly smuggling cannabis-infused candy into the country. Police claimed the basketball player told teammates he would share the gummies, but Shaw continues to assert he considered them pain medication. News & Opinion As detailed in a Guardian report in which Shaw tells his own story, he could be sentenced to death for possessing about $400 worth of cannabis edibles — in this case, gummy bears. Now 35, Shaw said he still hopes to continue his basketball career, but his future depends on the outcome of a case that could leave him imprisoned indefinitely—or worse—under Indonesia’s strict anti-drug laws. Shaw told The Guardian in an interview from pre-trial detention in Jakarta that he made a “stupid mistake” but emphasized that he relies on cannabis for medical relief. Indonesia and Its War on Drugs "There is no room for drug users in the basketball world." Shaw, 34, can face severe consequences, including the death penalty or life imprisonment. A video circulating on social media reportedly shows Shaw yelling for "help" while getting arrested by police. Police chief at Soekarno-Hatta Airport, Ronald Sipayung had stated that a tip had come in to airport customs that Shaw had received a 'suspicious airway package from Thailand', where it is legal. Shaw's apartment was raided just outside of the capital of Jakarta, where over 130 pieces of 'cannabis candy' were found, more commonly known as 'gummies'. NEWS IN PHOTOS: Authorities accuse him of attempting to smuggle drugs into the country. Thirty-four-year-old Dallas native Jarred Shaw — who played for the Tangerang Hawks — was arrested in Jakarta last week. Shaw was previously sentenced to 10 days in jail for third-degree felony cannabis possession in Logan, Utah, in 2013 while at Utah State, according to the Cache Valley Daily. “We don’t tolerate players, administrators or anyone in the field involved in drugs,” IBL Chair Budisatrio Djiwandono said in a statement. On Thursday, the Hawks fired Shaw and he was banned for life by the IBL. "An offense involving candies containing Delta 9 THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) implicating basketball athlete JDS was handled by the Narcotics Unit of Soekarno-Hatta Airport Police," airport police chief Ronald Sipayung said. The 34-year-old basketball star faces a potential life sentence, with the death penalty reportedly not off-the-table, as convicted smugglers have been executed for similar instances. Under Indonesia's strict anti-drug laws, he risks life imprisonment or even the death penalty if convicted. In mid-May, Jared Shaw, a player for the Tangerang Hawks, was detained at his Jakarta home after collecting a package containing cannabis-infused gummies.