Jarred Shaw, a professional basketball player from the United States, is facing severe legal consequences in Indonesia for being found in possession of $400 worth of cannabis gummies. The 35-year-old athlete, hailing from Dallas, Texas, had a career that spanned playing college basketball for Utah State Aggies and later joining Santa Cruz Warriors in the NBA development league draft of 2015.

Shaw’s basketball journey took him through various countries, including Tunisia, Argentina, Thailand, Uruguay, and Venezuela before settling in Indonesia in 2022 to play for Prawira Bandung. He later moved to Satria Muda Peramina and then Tangerang Hawks in 2024.

The arrest took place in May when Shaw was intercepted by ten undercover officers while attempting to collect a package containing 132 cannabis gummies imported illegally from Thailand. Subsequently, he was dismissed from Tangerang Hawks and banned for life from the Indonesian Basketball League.

Indonesia maintains a strict stance against illegal drugs, with numerous individuals on death row, primarily for drug-related offenses. Shaw has claimed that he used the cannabis gummies for medicinal purposes to alleviate symptoms of his Crohn’s disease, an inflammatory condition. Despite his explanation, he faces the possibility of a lengthy prison sentence or even the death penalty.

Stephanie Shepard, the director of advocacy at Last Prisoner Project (LPP), is advocating for Shaw’s release, emphasizing the disproportionate penalties imposed on individuals for non-violent cannabis-related offenses worldwide. The investigation into Shaw’s case continues to uncover the network involved in the drug distribution.

Shaw has expressed regret for his actions, acknowledging his mistake and the mental toll the situation has taken on him. While awaiting his court appearance, authorities have highlighted the gravity of the charges, with the potential for Shaw to receive a severe sentence, including life imprisonment or capital punishment.