Iran destroys a trans-national drug trade line and executes the leader of a network nicknamed "the Persian Gulf Crocodile".

"Crocodile" operates under various guises and identities and was arrested while transporting 100 tons of drugs in international waters, "Hormozgan province chief prosecutor Ali Salehi said today.

"Intelligence operations have been carried out continuously for four years to capture the 36-year-old leader ... He runs one of Iran's largest and most cruel drug trafficking networks as well as in the region. ", Salehi added.

In addition to "the Persian Crocodile", one of his accomplices was also executed. "Crocodile" allegedly transported more than 400 tons of drugs into Iran and laundered up to $ 147.3 million through investment in real estate.

"The other members of the network are subject to a total sentence of 420 years in prison and a fine of US $ 154,753," said Hormozgan, the chief prosecutor.

Iran has not released official statistics on the number of people executed, but Amnesty International said at least 253 people were executed in the country in 2018.