Irishman believed kidnapped in southern Iran

AN Irishman and at least two Germans are being held hostage by a gang of drug smugglers in southern Iran which is reportedly demanding between €3 million and €5 million for their release.

The Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed last night Iranian officials believe an Irish person is among a number of foreign nationals kidnapped in the southern province of Sistan -Baluchistan, which borders Pakistan and Afghanistan.

The kidnapping took place over a week ago, news sources in Iran said last night. The department would not disclose further details last night.