Nineteen people die from tainted alcohol in Istanbul

In Turkey, the city of Istanbul has witnessed a tragic increase in fatalities linked to the consumption of tainted alcohol. Over the past 48 hours, nineteen individuals have died due to poisoning from methanol-laced liquor. This alarming health crisis began when authorities reported the death of eleven people within the last 24 hours, leading to investigations into the sources of this adulterated alcohol. Reports indicate that 65 people were affected, with ongoing treatment for several victims in local hospitals. The Istanbul governorate confirmed that the unfortunate rise in deaths stemmed from the common practice of producing counterfeit alcoholic drinks, particularly raki, the national liquor of Turkey. The insinuation is that adulteration with methanol, a toxic substance, has surged, spurred by an increase in taxes on alcoholic beverages by the government. This has resulted in a booming illegal production market, making such counterfeit drinks more accessible. In 2024 alone, a staggering 110 people have fallen ill from consuming tainted alcohol in Istanbul, with at least 48 reported deaths. As a response, the local authorities have taken immediate action. The licenses of 63 businesses suspected of selling fake alcohol have been revoked, and those establishments have been shut down to prevent further incidents. These measures underscore the urgency of addressing this public health crisis and ensuring the safety of consumers in Istanbul and the broader region. Alcohol poisoning cases in Turkey are unfortunately not uncommon, and this tragic wave has reignited debates about regulation and monitoring of alcohol production. This situation reflects broader tensions in Turkey under the current administration, where alcohol taxation policies have been criticized for leading to adverse social implications. The President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s government has been accused of attempting to shift societal norms towards a more conservative approach, which includes increased oversight of alcohol consumption. As the dangers of tainted spirits become more apparent, there is an outcry for better regulatory measures and awareness initiatives to prevent future tragedies.