Adulterated alcohol in Istanbul: 34 deaths and 30,000 liters confiscated!

Adulterated alcohol in Istanbul: 34 deaths and 30,000 liters confiscated!

In the Turkish metropolis of Istanbul, the population is in shock: at least 34 people have died from consuming adulterated alcohol. Over 48 other people had to be hospitalized due to severe poisoning, the state news agency Anadolu reported. Police have seized more than 30,000 liters of illegal alcohol and arrested at least nine suspects suspected of being involved in the production and sale of these deadly drinks.

Health authorities suspect the deaths were caused by the addition of methanol, a toxic industrial alcohol. Methanol is often used illegally as a cheaper alternative to the regular ethanol found in traditional alcoholic beverages. These dangerous substances are a long-standing problem in Turkey, where high taxes on alcohol often drive people to home-made or illegal alcohol. Last year there were 110 cases of poisoning by adulterated alcohol in Istanbul, in which 48 people lost their lives rtl.de reported.

Raid and investigation into illegal trade

The Turkish authorities have already confiscated 29 tonnes of adulterated alcohol since the beginning of the year and have revoked the license to sell alcohol from numerous shops. Especially in times of financial stress, many people resort to these dangerous, homemade alternatives without realizing the risks involved. This pleases the criminals who profit from illegal alcohol while the population suffers the deadly consequences.

The dramatic increase in poisoning cases this week has drawn the attention of authorities and the public to the serious problem of adulterated alcohol in Turkey. Media coverage of these tragedies could potentially lead to a rethink in consumer behavior, although the high prices of legal alcohol could increase the risk of further incidents, such as today.at reported.