Deaths in Istanbul Linked to Tainted Alcohol
Tragedy struck Istanbul as 23 people lost their lives within 48 hours after consuming contaminated alcohol. Authorities reported that at least 43 others were hospitalized, with 32 in critical condition. This incident adds to the grim statistics of 34 deaths from bootleg alcohol since the beginning of the year.
Methanol, a cheap substitute for ethanol, is suspected to be the culprit in these deaths. Often added to illegally produced alcohol to increase potency, methanol can cause severe health complications, including blindness, liver damage, and death.
This incident highlights the dangers of consuming illicit alcohol, particularly in Turkey, where private production has surged due to increased taxes on alcoholic beverages. In 2024, a similar incident in Istanbul claimed the lives of 48 people after they consumed tainted alcohol.
Raki, Turkey's national anise-flavored liquor, is frequently targeted for counterfeiting. Its price has skyrocketed to around $37.20 per liter in supermarkets, making it less accessible to many. This price increase coincides with the recent minimum wage hike in Turkey, which now stands at $600.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoฤan, who has been instrumental in shaping Turkey's alcohol legislation since 2013, has implemented various restrictions. These include a ban on alcohol advertisements, sponsorship prohibitions for alcoholic brands, and restrictions on depicting alcohol consumption in media.
13 Comments
Raphael
๐ Let's use this tragedy as an opportunity to strengthen regulations and improve consumer safety. We can do better. ๐
Leonardo
๐ช We need strong leadership to tackle this issue head-on. I believe President Erdoฤan's commitment to combatting illegal alcohol is the right step forward. ๐
Donatello
๐ฎโโ๏ธ I commend the authorities for working hard to track down the source of the tainted alcohol. Their swift action is admirable. ๐ช
Michelangelo
๐ This is heartbreaking - 23 lives lost to tainted alcohol. Thoughts and prayers go out to the victims' families. ๐ข
Raphael
๐ Increasing the accessibility of government-regulated and controlled Raki can help reduce the consumption of illegal and dangerous alternatives. This might be a solution. ๐ค
Rotfront
๐คฌ Enough is enough! Stop selling this poisonous liquid! ๐ฟ
Comandante
๐ This should serve as a wake-up call for the authorities. Do more to regulate and monitor the alcohol market. ๐
Habibi
๐ธ This whole situation is ridiculous. Taxes on alcohol are so high that people are forced to buy illegal and dangerous products. Why not make it more regulated and affordable? ๐
Muchacho
๐ We need unity and collaboration to tackle this problem. Together, we can bring an end to these preventable deaths. ๐
Coccinella
๐ We need to do more to educate people about the dangers of consuming illegal alcohol. Knowledge is power.
Africa
๐คฌ This is an absolute disgrace. This must stop before more lives are lost. ๐
Comandante
๐ Sending prayers and strength to those battling for their lives in the hospital. ๐
Bella Ciao
๐ก This is criminal! Justice needs to be served for these innocent lives lost. ๐