Istanbul's Counterfeit Alcohol Crisis Claims 38 Lives, 92 Hospitalized; 29 Tons Seized, 64 Licenses Revoked

Jan 16, 2025, 06:54 PM

In Istanbul, the death toll from consuming counterfeit alcohol has risen to 38, with 92 individuals hospitalized due to methanol poisoning. The crisis has prompted the Istanbul governor's office to implement additional measures to curb the sale and consumption of bootleg alcohol. These measures include mandatory 24/7 high-resolution camera surveillance in businesses selling alcohol, effective from January 1, 2025, and the revocation of operating licenses for establishments found selling or serving counterfeit or illegal alcohol. Since January 1, authorities have seized 29 tons of counterfeit alcohol and revoked the licenses of 64 businesses. The methanol poisoning cases were reported across various districts, with 48 people still under treatment, 27 of whom are in intensive care on ventilators. Additionally, four patients have been discharged, one refused treatment, and two left the hospital without permission.