American Basketball Player Arrested in Indonesia for Cannabis Candy

Jarred Shaw faces life sentence or death penalty under Indonesia's strict drug laws.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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Jarred Shaw, a 34-year-old American basketball player in the Indonesian Basketball League, was arrested after allegedly attempting to smuggle 132 pieces of cannabis candy into the country. Indonesian authorities raided Shaw's apartment and seized the drugs, which he claimed he wanted to share with his teammates. Shaw now faces potentially severe penalties under Indonesia's strict drug laws, including a possible life sentence or even the death penalty.

Why it matters

Indonesia has some of the harshest drug laws in the world, with convicted drug smugglers often facing execution by firing squad. This case highlights the risks foreign athletes and others face when traveling to countries with zero tolerance policies for drug offenses, even for relatively minor amounts.

The details

Police said they received a tip that Shaw had received a "suspicious airway package from Thailand," where cannabis has been decriminalized, but remains illegal in Indonesia. Authorities raided Shaw's apartment and found the 132 pieces of cannabis candy. Shaw told police he intended to share the candy with his teammates. He was immediately fired by his team, the Tangerang Hawks, and banned from the Indonesian Basketball League.

  • On March 2, 2026, Indonesian authorities received a tip about a suspicious package sent to Jarred Shaw.
  • On March 3, 2026, police raided Shaw's apartment and seized 132 pieces of cannabis candy.
  • On March 6, 2026, Shaw was arrested and faced a news conference wearing an orange shirt with his hands tied.

The players

Jarred Shaw

A 34-year-old American basketball player who was arrested in Indonesia for allegedly attempting to smuggle cannabis candy into the country.

Ronald Sipayung

The police chief at Soekarno-Hatta Airport in Indonesia who announced Shaw's arrest.

Tikky Suwantikno

The manager of the Tangerang Hawks, the Indonesian Basketball League team that immediately fired Shaw after his arrest.

Budisatrio Djiwandono

The chair of the Indonesian Basketball League who stated the league has no tolerance for drug use and has banned Shaw from playing.

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What they’re saying

“We don't tolerate players, administrators or anyone in the field involved in drugs. There is no room for drug users in the basketball world.”

— Budisatrio Djiwandono, Indonesian Basketball League Chair (foxnews.com)

What’s next

Shaw's case will now go through the Indonesian legal system, where he faces potentially severe penalties including a life sentence or even the death penalty under the country's strict drug laws.

The takeaway

This case serves as a stark warning for foreign athletes and others traveling to countries with zero tolerance drug policies, even for relatively minor offenses. It highlights the risks of attempting to transport any illegal substances across international borders.