A former Utah State University men’s basketball player was arrested earlier this month in Indonesia for allegedly attempting to smuggle illegal drugs into the country.
Jarred Shaw could face up to a life sentence or the death penalty if found guilty, the Associated Press reported.
The 34-year-old from Dallas, Texas, was playing for the Tangerang Hawks of the Indonesian Basketball League when the arrest happened on May 7.
Police raided Shaw’s apartment and found 132 pieces of cannabis candies, according to the Associated Press. Ronald Sipayung, the Soekarno-Hatta Airport police chief, told the AP the arrest was prompted by a tip from the airport’s customs that Shaw had reportedly received a suspicious package from Thailand.
Cannabis has been decriminalized in Thailand since November 2024. Indonesia, however, has strict anti-drug laws.
Shaw was fired from his team for breach of contract, according to AP. The Indonesian Basketball League chair, Budisatrio Djiwandono, also banned Shaw for life.
Shaw has played for several teams in the Indonesian Basketball League since 2022; he signed with the Tangerang Hawks last year. He also played a season in the NBA G League with the Santa Cruz Warriors in 2015-16 following his senior year at Utah State.
Shaw joined the Aggies in the 2012-2013 season after transferring from Oklahoma State. The center started from 2012-2014 and averaged 14.1 points and 8.3 rebounds in his final year, earning All-Mountain West honors.
