Salman Behbehani has been identified as the high-stakes poker pro arrested last week in Ibiza on charges of drug smuggling. Behbehani’s arrest had been shrouded in mystery for several days, with his identity initially withheld by Ibiza’s Civil Guard.
The publication Periodico de Ibiza reported on Saturday that customs authorities arrested a 33-year-old man who arrived in Ibiza, Spain, early Friday morning via private jet from Las Vegas. The passenger, later identified as Behbehani, was allegedly carrying a suitcase full of 10 different kinds of illegal drugs.
A high-stakes poker pro with more than $3.4 million in career tournament winnings, Behbehani was reportedly part of a group of about 30 people on the plane, several of whom were also high-stakes poker players. Behbehani was the only passenger identified, and the only one taken into custody.
Authorities seized a virtual cornucopia of illicit drugs found in Behbehani’s suitcase, including cocaine, hashish, crystal meth, speed, ecstasy, and 2C-B, a synthetic amphetamine with psychedelic effects. Customs agents also seized money in several different currencies, including 6,220 euros, 1,785 American dollars, 485 British pounds, 100 Kuwaiti dinars, and 101,200 Thai bats.
Behbehani is reportedly a member of one of Kuwait’s wealthiest families and has won more than $3.4 million in live poker tournaments over the past decade.
