In a case that has stunned the international poker community, high-stakes poker pro Salman Behbehani has been sentenced to six years and one day in prison by the Balearic Provincial Court in Spain for drug smuggling charges. Once regarded as a jet-setting poker superstar with over $3.3 million in live tournament earnings, Behbehani’s dramatic fall from grace has become a cautionary tale in a world where risk-taking often extends beyond the felt.
From Final Tables to Criminal Trials
Behbehani, 37, isn’t just any poker player. He’s competed at the highest levels of the game and has appeared at numerous final tables over the past decade. His poker résumé includes a second-place finish in the 2011 Partouche Poker Tour Main Event for €600,000, and a third-place finish in the 2016 WCOOP $102K Super High Roller, netting $560,000.
But on July 2, 2021, everything changed.
Behbehani arrived at Ibiza Airport on a private jet from Las Vegas, accompanied by around 30 other passengers—a lavish entrance that matched his luxury lifestyle. However, customs agents inspecting luggage from the jet discovered a stash of illegal narcotics hidden in his suitcase.
What they found was shocking, even by drug trafficking standards:
- 315 grams of cocaine
- 705 grams of hashish
- 80 grams of crystal meth
- 171 grams of 2C-B (a powerful synthetic psychedelic)
- Smaller quantities of ecstasy, LSD, marijuana, hallucinogenic mushrooms, speed, and poppers
The estimated street value of the drugs exceeded €26,000, according to El País, one of Spain’s leading newspapers.
The Courtroom Drama
During court proceedings, Behbehani attempted to distance himself from the suitcase, claiming he had no knowledge of its contents and that the bag wasn’t even his. However, customs officers testified that Behbehani had explicitly acknowledged ownership of the luggage when questioned during the inspection.
The court found the officers’ testimony “credible and consistent”, and ultimately convicted the Kuwaiti-American player, who also holds U.S. citizenship and resides in California. In addition to the prison sentence, Behbehani was fined €30,000.
He still has the option to appeal the verdict to the Superior Court of Justice of the Balearic Islands.
A Dual Life: Poker Pro and DJ
Beyond poker, Behbehani is also known in nightlife circles as a DJ, often performing in elite clubs from Ibiza to Miami. With roots in a wealthy Kuwaiti family, his lifestyle included private jets, high-stakes games, and elite parties—until this conviction brought it all crashing down.
The poker community is no stranger to controversy, but this case stands out for its scale and the public nature of the downfall. Behbehani wasn’t just a fringe character—he was a player many aspired to emulate.
Reactions from the Poker World
The reaction to Behbehani’s conviction has been mixed. Some professionals expressed shock and disappointment, while others warned that extravagant lifestyles can come with dangerous associations.
High-stakes poker often overlaps with the worlds of high finance, nightlife, and even celebrity culture—but incidents like this remind the community that public perception matters, and legal consequences can destroy years of hard-earned reputation.
As one anonymous poker pro told PokerNews:
“He was living like a rock star. But poker is about discipline, both on and off the table. This wasn’t just a mistake—it was a disaster waiting to happen.”
What Happens Next?
With a six-year prison term ahead of him, Behbehani’s once-lucrative poker career has come to a grinding halt. Whether he will attempt a comeback post-incarceration remains unknown. If he does return to the game, it will be under the shadow of one of the most high-profile drug convictions in modern poker history.
This conviction also raises questions about personal responsibility and risk—values often touted in poker but sometimes ignored outside the game. For aspiring players, Behbehani’s case is a sobering reminder that success in poker does not make one immune from the consequences of poor choices.
Final Thoughts
The Salman Behbehani drug conviction marks a significant chapter in poker history—not for what happened at the tables, but for what occurred off them. In a game where every decision matters, Behbehani made one that has cost him dearly.
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📰 Sources
- PokerNews.com
- Salman Behbehani Sentenced to Six Years for Drug Smuggling
- Published: March 21, 2025
- Summary: Original report breaking the news of Behbehani’s sentencing, including his poker background and official court ruling details.
- El País (Spain)
- Cárcel para el millonario jugador de póker que aterrizó en Ibiza en un jet cargado de drogas
- Published: March 20, 2025
- Summary: Spanish-language report covering the full legal case, the narcotics involved, customs testimony, and personal details about Behbehani.
- The Hendon Mob Poker Database
- Salman Behbehani – Live Poker Results
- Ongoing database
- Summary: For tournament earnings and career accomplishments.