Iran executes ‘Crocodile of the Gulf’ drug kingpin

(FASTNEWS | TEHRAN) – Iran has executed a drug kingpin nicknamed the “Crocodile of the Persian Gulf” and dismantled his smuggling ring, state media report.

The “crocodile” was arrested in the middle of transferring more than 100 tonnes of drugs in international waters, officials said.

The 36-year-old and an accomplice were killed following a years-long intelligence operation.

Iran executes hundreds of prisoners each year.

Amnesty International says the country executed at least 253 people in 2018. That represents a drop of 50% from the 507 executed the year before, credited to changes in the country’s strict anti-narcotics laws.

But drug dealing on an international scale can still carry the death penalty.