Istanbul Cracks Down After Bootleg Alcohol Claims 19 Lives
Authorities in Istanbul are grappling with a deadly wave of bootleg alcohol consumption that has claimed 19 lives over the past two days, rising from 11 deaths reported on Tuesday. Turkish broadcaster NTV reported that 43 individuals remain hospitalized due to suspected alcohol poisoning, with a total of 65 people seeking medical treatment.
Istanbul Governor Davut Gül announced on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, that authorities have shut down 63 establishments linked to the sale of illicit alcohol and revoked their business licenses. Gül emphasized that officials are actively pursuing legal action against those responsible for producing and distributing the toxic substances.
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The Istanbul governor’s office disclosed that 48 people have died from alcohol poisoning in 2024, prompting the city to enforce stricter measures to curb the production and sale of counterfeit alcohol. This surge in fatalities reflects a broader issue in Turkey, where high taxes on legal alcoholic beverages have driven some consumers to cheaper, unregulated alternatives.
Experts warn that bootleg alcohol often contains methanol, a toxic substance that can cause blindness, organ failure, and death when ingested. Turkish authorities have intensified nationwide crackdowns on counterfeit alcohol producers in recent years, but incidents persist.
