Bootleg alcohol claims 19 lives in Istanbul

Counterfeit alcohol poisoning in Istanbul has claimed 19 lives in 72 hours, hospitalizing 65, including 26 foreigners. Authorities closed 63 illegal vendors as the crackdown on toxic methyl alcohol continues.

The death toll from counterfeit alcohol consumption in Istanbul has risen to 19 over the past 72 hours, with 65 individuals hospitalised, including 26 foreign nationals, according to local officials. Istanbul Governor Davut Gül announced the closure of 63 establishments selling fake alcohol, with their licences permanently revoked.

Gül warned against consuming unregulated alcohol, stating on social media, "All individuals responsible for these deaths are being identified and brought to justice."

Despite intensified inspections, the illegal alcohol trade continues to claim lives. In 2024, 48 people in Istanbul died from bootleg alcohol poisoning. To combat this, the governor's office introduced 24/7 surveillance for alcohol vendors in October 2024 and stricter measures in January 2025, including license revocations for violations.

The illegal alcohol trade in Türkiye is driven by the high cost of legal beverages. Manufacturers often use toxic methyl alcohol, leading to severe health risks such as blindness, kidney failure, and death. Experts warn that even minimal exposure to methyl alcohol can be fatal, highlighting the urgent need for public caution and stringent enforcement.

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