Jarred Dwayne Shaw, a 34-year-old American basketball player, was recently arrested in Indonesia on drug smuggling charges. Authorities allege he attempted to bring into the country candies infused with cannabis, which is a serious offense given Indonesia’s strict drug laws.
On May 7, 2025, police raided Shaw’s apartment in Tangerang Regency, close to Jakarta, and discovered 132 cannabis-infused candies totaling about 869 grams. This action was prompted by information from customs officials regarding a suspicious package from Thailand, where marijuana was decriminalized in 2024.
Originally hailing from Dallas, Texas, Shaw has been part of several teams in the Indonesian basketball league since 2022 and had recently signed with the Tangerang Hawks. Following his arrest, the Hawks terminated his contract, and the league imposed a lifetime ban on him.
Reportedly, the package contained 20 packs of candies labeled “Vita Bite,” which were identified as Class 1 drugs (Delta 9 THC). The total weight of these candies was confirmed at 869 grams.
A statement from a league official highlighted the organization’s zero-tolerance stance, stating, “We don’t tolerate players, managers, or anyone in the field involved in drugs. There’s no space in the basketball world for drug users.”
Concerns were also raised regarding Indonesia’s border security, with a United Nations report noting that it weakens the country’s defenses against human trafficking, drug smuggling, and the illicit trade of natural resources.
If convicted, Shaw could face severe penalties under Indonesian law, including life imprisonment or even the death penalty. Indonesia has a reputation for tough anti-drug regulations, with over 500 individuals currently on death row for drug-related offenses, 96 of whom are foreigners.
