Contaminated alcohol in Türkiye: update

The number of fatalities resulting from the consumption of adulterated alcohol in Istanbul has increased to 30, according to a report by state broadcaster TRT. This development follows the reporting of 19 deaths within 48 hours. The report further indicates that a total of 83 individuals have been hospitalised in recent days due to methanol poisoning caused by illegally produced alcoholic beverages. Four patients have been discharged, while forty-nine remain hospitalised, including thirty-one in intensive care. In response to this crisis, Istanbul Prefect Davut Gul has taken decisive action, ordering the revocation of the licenses of 63 businesses found to be selling counterfeit alcohol and ordering the closure of these establishments. In 2024, law enforcement agencies in Turkey seized approximately 300 tons of counterfeit or smuggled alcohol, according to ‘Anadolu’, Turkey’s official news agency.