At least 30 people have died in Istanbul over the past three days after consuming bootleg alcohol, according to Turkey’s state-run news agency. The fatalities are part of a larger group of around 80 individuals who sought treatment at hospitals in the city, with at least 31 currently in intensive care.
The rise in deaths from counterfeit alcohol has become a growing concern in Turkey, where escalating prices for alcoholic beverages have driven many to seek cheaper alternatives, including homemade spirits, which increases the risk of poisoning from toxic substances. The combination of high inflation and government taxes has contributed to record-high alcohol prices.
On Wednesday, six individuals were arrested for allegedly selling counterfeit alcohol, while two others faced charges of “deliberate murder,” the Istanbul governor’s office stated. Authorities have also seized 29 tons of bootleg alcohol in raids across Istanbul since January 1 and revoked the licenses of 64 businesses accused of selling counterfeit or smuggled drinks. “We consider those who cause the death of dozens of our citizens by producing or selling fake alcohol to be no different from the terrorists who kill people,” the statement added. “Our fight against the scoundrels who attempt to kill our people for material gains will continue unabated.”
In light of the increasing incidents of poisoning, the British Foreign Office has issued a warning to tourists traveling to Turkey, advising caution regarding the rise in deaths linked to counterfeit alcohol.
