The “cocaine Sultan” was hanged in Iran, despite UN warning

Despite the United Nations (UN) warning that the number of executions was increasing, Iran hanged three prisoners, including one known as the “Sultan of cocaine”. This was reported by Al Jazeera.

Those executed on may 10 were members of the Panjak, the “largest cocaine-distributing cartel” in the country. Group leader Husayn Panjak, who was 32 years old, was arrested along with five other members during a banquet he hosted in 2014 to celebrate his growing wealth. At the time of the arrest, 1 kilogram of cocaine, opium and methamphetamine were seized.

A brief reportage by state television showed people handcuffed and stated that the prime suspect had previously been arrested 17 times. The Supreme Court has issued a statement that the death penalty against them has been upheld.

Two other people who were executed by foreign human rights organizations identified as Abdulhussayn Emami Mogadam and Babak Agay. The men were hanged at Gezel Hesar prison in Karaj despite requests for mercy from family members who had gathered in front of the prison.

Also on the morning of 10 May, four other unnamed prisoners were executed at Rajai Shahr Prison in Karaj, but Iranian officials did not confirm this.

Mizan reported the execution of an undisclosed “international drug smuggler”, but it is not clear whether this applies to the Punjab. It said that the man had led three international groups of drug smugglers to several European countries, including the Netherlands, and authorities confiscated 750 kilograms of heroin from him.

"Disgusting" record

UN secretary-general for human rights Volker Turk said that Iran has a “disgusting” record of executions this year, with an average of more than 10 people hanging each week. The organization's statement stated that more than 210 people were executed in 2023, but the actual number could be even more.