American basketball player in Indonesia accused of a crime: faces death penalty

A serious accusation has been brought against an American athlete in Indonesia. According to CNN, citing police sources, 34-year-old U.S. citizen Jarred Duane Shaw, who plays in the Indonesian Basketball League, was arrested for attempting to illegally import narcotics into the country. He now faces the death penalty.

Cannabis shipment arrived from Thailand

Police report that Shaw was arrested on May 7 at his home in Jakarta. During a raid, 132 packets of cannabis were found in his apartment. Indonesian customs stated that Shaw had received a suspicious package from Thailand. It is worth noting that cannabis has been legalized in Thailand since November 2024.

During interrogation, Shaw reportedly told police he intended to share the cannabis with other basketball players. According to preliminary estimates, the package contained 869 grams of cannabis. Under Indonesian law, this quantity can lead to a life sentence or capital punishment.

Club reaction: contract terminated, lifetime ban imposed

On May 15, “Tangerang Hawks” head coach Tikki Suwantikno told the media the club was disappointed by Shaw’s actions and immediately terminated his contract. The Indonesian Basketball League also released a statement banning Jarred Shaw from competition for life.

For reference, Shaw had been playing for several Indonesian clubs since 2022 and signed with “Tangerang Hawks” in 2024.

Indonesia — strict laws, but smuggling remains a risk

According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Indonesia remains a major hub for drug smuggling. Despite its tough laws, drug-related crimes remain prevalent.

Official data shows that around 530 individuals are currently on death row in Indonesia, including 96 foreigners. The last recorded execution occurred in July 2016, when one Indonesian and three foreigners were executed.

The Zamin.uz editorial team continues to monitor cases involving international athletes and legal violations. What is your opinion on this case? Should an athlete be exempt from punishment, or should the law apply equally to all?

News