Death toll from bootleg alcohol rises to 17 in Istanbul over past week

The number of deaths due to bootleg alcohol in Istanbul has risen to 17 in the past week, according to the information shared by the megacity’s police department.

Wednesday December 04 2024 11:17 pm

Duvar English

The number of deaths due to bootleg alcohol in Istanbul has risen to 17 in the past week.

According to officials from the Istanbul Police Department, nine more people died in the last five days after the initial deaths.

As of Dec. 4, 22 people have still been treated in hospitals, while seven have been discharged.

Following the rise in deaths from bootleg alcohol, the Anti-Smuggling and Organized Crime Unit has carried out raids on various addresses in Şişli, Beyoğlu, Fatih, Kağıthane, Esenyurt, Ümraniye, Bakırköy, Üsküdar, and Sultangazi districts.

Nineteen people were taken into custody, with eight being arrested and six placed under judicial control measures.

Additionally, it has been reported that the amount of bootleg alcohol seized this year was four times higher compared to last year.

As Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has waged a war against alcohol and tobacco products, the ruling Justice and Development Party's (AKP) extensive taxing of alcoholic beverages put domestic drinks at extravagant price points.

Critics say President Erdoğan and his AKP are imposing Islamic values on the country through steps such as steep tax hikes on alcohol and cigarettes.

In 2002, at the beginning of its tenure, the AKP introduced a “special consumption tax” (ÖTV) on alcohol and tobacco products in the name of "benefitting public health." During the AKP's reign, the tax has been increased several hundredfold.

Topics bootleg bootleg alcohol alcohol Istanbul