Sentences for such crimes are not at the discretion of the judge, officials allege, but are defined by Shariah law.

Regarding alcohol consumption, Shariahti warned, ''We will show no mercy in finding, trying and punishing those breaking the law, and we will punish them to the highest extent.''

Since the regime change following Iran's 1979 revolution, the Islamic Republic has banned alcohol in the country and has made its consumers punishable by lashing, fines and incarceration.

Despite the country's strict policies against alcohol consumption, about 16 to 20 million gallons of alcohol are smuggled into the country each year, of which police seize only about 25 percent, according to officials.

Some convert their own alcohol, called araq, which contains 45 percent pure ethanol. It is typically diluted before consumption and can be dangerous because of the ethanol utilized in distillation methods.