Former Utah State Basketball Player Jarred Shaw Faces Severe Drug Charges in Indonesia

Jakarta, Indonesia - Former 6'10" US basketball player Jarred Shaw, originally from Dallas, Texas, has been arrested in Tangerang, Indonesia, on charges of drug smuggling, a crime that could carry the death penalty in the Southeast Asian nation. Police intercepted a package from Thailand containing Delta 9 THC candies and gummies, which authorities allege Shaw intended to distribute. According to Indonesian police, the package, sent by a woman in Thailand, contained approximately 869 grams of Delta 9 THC edibles, with an estimated street value of $400. During a press conference held by local police, Shaw was paraded before the media, standing on a stage as officials detailed the charges against him. An officer, identified as Joko, stated, "This is the result of..." as he addressed the media, referring to the successful interception. Indonesia maintains some of the world's strictest anti-drug laws. Simple possession of such substances can result in a minimum sentence of one year in prison, while large-scale drug trafficking, including marijuana, can lead to life imprisonment or even the death penalty. Shaw, who played for Carter High School and Utah State before going undrafted in 2014 and finding success in overseas basketball leagues, most recently in Indonesia, is now facing a highly uncertain future. His family, still residing near Carter High School in Dallas, has been reached for comment. While they declined to appear on camera, Shaw's younger brother confirmed that the family is actively seeking more information regarding his arrest and has been able to communicate with him by phone. The situation draws comparisons to the case of WNBA star Brittney Griner, a Texas native who was arrested in Russia in 2022 for carrying medically prescribed hash oil. Griner was held for nine months before being exchanged for a Russian arms dealer. However, Shaw's fate in Indonesia, with its severe penalties for drug offenses, remains a grave concern.

the Guardian

‘I use cannabis as medicine’: the US basketball player facing execution in Indo…

Unlike his fellow basketball player, Brittney Griner, Jarred Shaw has received scant attention after being arrested for a drugs offence overseas