Death toll from bootleg alcohol rises to 38 in Istanbul

In Istanbul, the death toll from bootleg alcohol consumption over the past few days has risen to 38. While 46 individuals remain under treatment, eight others have been discharged from the hospital.

Saturday January 18 2025 12:08 am

Duvar English

In Istanbul, the number of deaths caused by counterfeit alcohol since Jan. 13 has risen to 38 within four days.

Of the 46 patients hospitalized due to counterfeit alcohol consumption, 27 have been receiving treatment on ventilators. It was reported that one patient refused treatment, while two others left the hospital without permission.

According to a statement from the Istanbul Governor’s Office, 15 suspects have been detained in ongoing operations since Jan. 1. Of these, four were arrested on charges of "premeditated murder," three were released, and eight remain under police custody for questioning.

Following the recent deaths, operations conducted across several districts in Istanbul uncovered a significant amount of illicit alcohol. Searches at the targeted addresses led to the seizure of 32,862 liters of illegal methyl and ethyl alcohol, along with 227 counterfeit distillation equipment.

The governor's office also noted that 302 tons of counterfeit alcohol were seized across the megacity in 2024 while 29 tons confiscated merely since the beginning of 2025.

Additionally, the business licenses of 64 establishments that were found to sell bootleg alcohol were revoked, and the venues were shut down.

Following the increase in taxes on alcohol in Turkey during the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) regime, poisonings due to the increase in private production and bootleg alcohol have increased dramatically.

Already high alcohol prices reached record highs after the New Year.