At least 17 people have died after consuming ‘fake alcohol’ at a popular tourist destination
Counterfeit alcohol across Istanbul has poisoned to death 17 people and left dozens more in hospital.
Thousands of litres of alcohol have been seized from supermarket shelves in the Turkish city, which tops the list of European breaks for 2024.
It was a week ago when authorities reported that three people were killed.
Since then, the number of victims suspected to have died after drinking the bootleg alcohol has risen to 17.
In addition, 22 people showing symptoms of counterfeit alcohol poisoning are still being treated in hospital.
Their conditions have only worsened despite ongoing medical care, Turkiye Today reported.
This comes after a similar methanol poisoning killed six tourists, including a British woman, in Laos.
With New Year’s Eve fast approaching, there are fears that more people will fall victims to the poison as merchants try to make money from flogging pure methanol.
The substance – which is unfit for human consumption – is often added to alcohol instead of ethanol because it is cheaper.
Authorities have intensified inspections to crack down on the production and distribution of counterfeit alcohol.
Police have conducted operations in several districts, including Kagithane, Esenyurt, Umraniye, Uskudar, Sultangazi, and Bakirkoy.
In Beyoğlu, officers posing as customers tracked down a suspect selling bootleg alcohol on a motorcycle.
Police said they were busted in the middle of a distribution trip. As a result, large quantities of counterfeit alcohol being prepared for sale were seized.
So far, 19 people were detained in similar busts, with eight subsequently charged.
Local media reported that 410 litres of ethyl and methyl alcohol have been confiscated.
As many as six distillers used for counterfeit alcohol and cigars have also been raided.
Data from the Turkey’s Trade Ministry showed in March that 7,386 litres of counterfeit alcohol were seized in the country last year.
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