Wednesday. 06.11.2024

The Iranian judiciary on Tuesday confirmed media reports about the arrest of two Swedish citizens on suspicion of drug trafficking.

The Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already informed the Swedish embassy in Tehran, Justice Ministry spokesperson Gholam-Hussein Ismaili said.

The two Swedes also have the right to consular assistance, the spokesperson said, according to news agency Isna.

Earlier this month, the news agency Tasnim reported on the arrests. According to Tasnim, they were members of an international drug cartel. No further details were known.

Iran can apply the death penalty for serious drug trafficking offences.

In touch with the families

The Swedish Foreign Ministry meanwhile said it has been aware of the case since January and had been "closely following" it.

Both men were in their 20s and the Swedish embassy was in "continuous contact" with them, Foreign Ministry spokesman Christian Ugge told.

He could not offer details on the charges, citing consular privacy regulations, adding that the Foreign Ministry was also in touch with the men's families in Sweden.

Iran confirms arrest of two Swedish men on drug trafficking charges