American basketball player Jarred Shaw is facing a possible death sentence in Indonesia after allegedly smuggling 870 grams of marijuana-infused candies from Thailand, according to Merdeka.com.
Shaw, who plays for the Tangerang Hawks, was arrested at his apartment in BSD City after customs officials intercepted the narcotics at Soekarno-Hatta Airport. Authorities say Shaw intended to distribute the drugs among fellow athletes, though he initially claimed they were for personal relaxation post-workout, Idman.biz reports.
“He saw a market opportunity among other players,” said police officer Michael Tandayu, adding that Shaw was testing the product with plans to reorder.
The Indonesian Basketball Association swiftly condemned Shaw’s actions. “We have zero tolerance for drug use in basketball—whether by players, officials, or staff,” stated Chairman Budisatrio Djiwandono.
Shaw is now facing charges under Indonesia’s strict Class I narcotics laws, which carry penalties ranging from 20 years in prison to life imprisonment—or even the death penalty.
This case highlights the grave legal consequences foreign athletes risk when violating Indonesia’s drug laws.
Idman.biz
