Turkey: Death Toll from Contaminated Alcohol Reaches 30 in Istanbul, Many in Critical Condition
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Synopsis
The death toll from counterfeit alcohol in Istanbul has tragically reached 30, prompting a major crackdown on illegal production and distribution. Authorities have detained multiple suspects and seized large quantities of illicit beverages, highlighting the severe risks associated with bootleg alcohol consumption.
Key Takeaways
- 30 fatalities linked to bootleg alcohol in Istanbul.
- Government crackdown on illegal alcohol production.
- Raids led to multiple arrests and significant seizures.
- High prices of legitimate alcohol fuel the illegal trade.
- Authorities tightening regulations on alcohol storage.
Istanbul, Jan 16 (NationPress) The number of fatalities linked to bootleg alcohol in Istanbul has sadly risen to 30, according to reports from local media on Thursday, prompting a significant crackdown on illegal production and distribution.
As reported by NTV, 30 individuals, including foreign nationals, have died in the last 72 hours after consuming counterfeit alcohol, with 49 others currently hospitalized, 31 of whom are in a critical condition.
The Istanbul Governor's Office has announced that raids have been conducted at various locations, resulting in the detention of six suspects involved in the widespread distribution of counterfeit alcohol. Two suspects have been charged with intentional homicide and are now in prison, while proceedings are ongoing for the others.
Officials have likened those engaged in the counterfeit trade to terrorists who endanger lives, confirming the seizure of 29 tonnes of illegal alcohol and the closure of 64 unlawful businesses this year.
Additionally, the Turkish government has tightened regulations concerning alcohol storage, mandating official approval for storage facilities and prohibiting shared or inadequately located warehouses.
The governorate also reported 110 hospitalizations and 48 deaths in 2024 due to tainted alcohol, as per a report by Xinhua news agency.
Earlier, on January 9, a total of 46 suspects were arrested in nationwide operations targeting producers of counterfeit alcohol, as stated by Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya.
This operation, named 'Hook-16', was executed by gendarmerie teams who raided four illegal factories involved in the smuggling and production of fake alcoholic beverages, although the time frame for the operation was not disclosed.
Authorities confiscated 50,105 litres of counterfeit and ethyl alcohol, along with 4,000 fake tax stamps during these operations, according to Yerlikaya.
Due to the high prices of legitimate alcoholic drinks, the bootleg alcohol trade has flourished in Turkey, allowing criminal organizations to profit from smuggling illicit beverages. These unlicensed producers often resort to cheaper and more hazardous substances, leading to a rising death toll from counterfeit alcohol consumption in recent years.
Last month, the Istanbul Governor's Office reported that since early November, 37 individuals had died from poisoning caused by consuming counterfeit alcohol in the city.
In connection with alcohol poisoning investigations, proceedings have been initiated against 36 suspects involved in supplying counterfeit alcohol, with 14 of them having been arrested.
The Anti-Smuggling and Organised Crime Branch of the Istanbul Police Department has been actively combating the production and sale of counterfeit alcohol, seizing significant quantities of fake alcoholic drinks, along with labels and other materials used in the production of these illicit products.
Consequently, over two dozen businesses have faced fines for their involvement in the illegal production and sale of counterfeit items.
