A former college basketball player, Jarred Dwayne Shaw, is facing severe legal trouble in Indonesia, where he has been charged with attempting to smuggle nearly two pounds of cannabis-infused candies. The raid on his home led to the confiscation of 132 pieces of these sweets, which contained the psychoactive compound Delta 9 THC. Shaw was arrested at Soekarno-Hatta Airport on May 7, following an investigation prompted by a tip-off regarding a suspicious package from Thailand.
Shaw, who starred for Oklahoma State and Utah State from 2009 to 2014, was in his third season with the Indonesian Basketball Association (PERBASI) at the time of his arrest. In light of the charges, he has been dismissed from his team, the Tangerang Hawks, and given a lifetime ban from professional basketball by PERBASI, which has a zero-tolerance policy for drug-related offenses. PERBASI Chair Budisatrio Djiwandono emphasized that there is no place for drug use in the sport.
If convicted, Shaw could face severe penalties, including life imprisonment or even the death penalty, as Indonesia has strict laws regarding drug trafficking. The country is notorious for its harsh stance on drugs, with approximately 530 inmates currently on death row, the majority for drug offenses. The last executions for drug crimes occurred in July 2016.
Shaw’s basketball career included being named the District 11-4A Defensive Player of the Year in 2009 and being a standout player at both Oklahoma State and Utah State. His journey subsequently led him to various international leagues before arriving in Indonesia.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of Indonesia’s stringent drug laws and the severe consequences of drug trafficking in the country. It also highlights ongoing concerns about drug smuggling in Indonesia, as pointed out by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, which noted vulnerabilities in the country’s border security.
While Shaw’s story is currently filled with legal challenges, it is a poignant example of how quickly a promising athletic career can take a turn due to choices related to substance use. Hopefully, this situation can act as a wake-up call for others involved in sports or at risk of similar circumstances.