Former NBA Player Arrested in Indonesia for Alleged Cannabis Gum Import
American basketball player Jarred Shaw, 35, has been arrested in Indonesia after allegedly importing cannabis gum. The former Tangerang Hawks player faces a potential life sentence or death penalty for the offence.
Shaw was taken into custody after receiving a package containing over 800 grams of cannabis gum, valued at around $400. The arrest was captured on video, showing around 10 plainclothes officers present.
Shaw claims he used the cannabis gum for medicinal purposes to treat his Crohn's disease. He had been granted a medical license by Dr. Agus Faisal, the doctor who treated Shaw for his cancer. However, Shaw stopped using cannabis products when he joined the Tangerang Hawks but resumed due to severe pain. Shaw admits to making a 'stupid mistake' in a country that has strict cannabis laws.
Shaw's arrest highlights the stark contrast between Indonesia's strict drug laws and the growing acceptance of cannabis for medicinal purposes in other countries. The former basketball player now faces a potential life sentence or death penalty for the offence.
