In Istanbul, 19 people have died in the past 48 hours after consuming contaminated alcohol, with dozens more receiving treatment for suspected poisoning, Anadolu Agency reported on Wednesday. This is an increase from the 11 deaths reported the previous day. Currently, at least 43 individuals remain in critical condition.
The fatalities are believed to be the result of methanol poisoning, a dangerous substance often added to illicit alcohol to enhance its potency. Methanol can cause severe health problems, such as blindness, liver damage, and even death.
While Turkey’s Health Ministry has not yet issued a statement, the Istanbul governorate confirmed that 110 people have fallen ill from adulterated alcohol in 2024, with 48 deaths so far. Methanol poisoning incidents have become more frequent in Turkey, partly due to rising taxes on alcoholic beverages, which have spurred illegal alcohol production.
Raki, Turkeyβs traditional aniseed-flavored spirit, is particularly susceptible to counterfeit production, with supermarket prices reaching around 1,300 lira per liter, well beyond the average monthly minimum wage of 17,000 lira.
This rise in illegal alcohol production coincides with increased government efforts to curb alcohol consumption, with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan frequently voicing opposition to alcohol and tobacco use. Authorities are investigating the source of the contaminated alcohol, while health officials continue to address the crisis.
