Bootleg Alcohol Crisis in Istanbul Claims 23 Lives in 48 Hours

Bootleg Alcohol Crisis in Istanbul Claims 23 Lives in 48 Hours

 A tragic wave of methanol poisoning from bootleg alcohol has claimed 23 lives within just 48 hours, with 43 others hospitalised, Turkish officials confirmed on Wednesday. Of those affected, 32 remain in intensive care. The crisis has brought renewed attention to illegal alcohol production and the dangers posed by tainted drinks.

Since the beginning of 2024, authorities report a total of 34 deaths linked to bootleg alcohol in Istanbul alone. Methanol, a toxic substance often added to illegal spirits to elevate their potency due to its lower cost compared to ethanol, has been identified as the cause of these fatalities. Consumption of methanol can lead to severe health risks, including blindness, liver damage, and death.

The issue highlights a broader problem in Turkey, where high taxes on alcoholic beverages have driven some individuals towards counterfeit products. Turkey’s popular anise-flavoured liquor, Raki, has become a common target for illegal producers. With the price of Raki reaching 1,300 lira (£37.20) per litre, the financial burden of legal alcohol has prompted an uptick in private production and counterfeit sales.

Alcohol-related legislation has grown stricter in Turkey under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Since 2013, alcohol advertisements have been banned, brands are no longer allowed to sponsor public events, and portrayals of alcohol use in media are prohibited. Combined with steep taxes, these restrictions have significantly shaped public access to alcoholic beverages.

The latest poisonings are far from an isolated incident. Only last year, 110 people fell ill following consumption of tainted alcohol in Istanbul, with 48 ultimately losing their lives. This recurrence underscores the deadly risk posed by bootleg alcohol and methanol poisoning in Turkey.

Public awareness about the dangers of counterfeit alcohol is crucial to combat this ongoing issue. Methanol poisoning remains a pressing threat, as desperate buyers seek cheaper alternatives amidst rising costs. Authorities continue to urge consumers to avoid illicit products and only purchase alcohol from trusted, certified sources.

Stay informed – protecting yourself from bootleg alcohol and recognising the dangers of methanol poisoning can save lives.

Source: CBS News

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