Istanbul, Türkiye – A mounting death toll linked to counterfeit alcohol consumption has struck Türkiye hard, with major cities Istanbul and Ankara witnessing 103 deaths in recent weeks, prompting intensified government crackdowns on illegal alcohol networks. Health officials report dozens still fighting for their lives in hospitals across these cities, suffering from severe methanol poisoning symptoms.
Authorities have responded with a series of targeted raids and arrests. Recent operations in Istanbul alone have led to 190 detentions connected to the counterfeit trade. Governor Davut Gul announced the seizure of over 86,000 liters of illicit alcohol, alongside the arrest of 11 suspects integral to this underground network.
Simultaneously, Ankara has seen significant law enforcement activity. Governor Vasip Sahin stated that 32 people were detained concerning illegal alcohol production, with 13 facing formal arrest. These individuals are believed to be part of a broader illicit manufacturing and sales network that spans multiple regions.
The health implications of consuming counterfeit alcohol, often tainted with methanol, are dire. Methanol poisoning can lead to blindness, permanent organ damage, or death. Medical facilities in Istanbul documented a rise from 92 to 150 patients treated for symptoms of poisoning within just three weeks. Ankara also reported a surge, with 69 hospital admissions and 12 fatalities in two weeks tied directly to illicit alcohol consumption.
These events have triggered government alerts stressing the dangers of unverified alcohol sources. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, in collaboration with local police forces, has increased its inspection and supervision efforts, urging citizens to avoid unauthorized sellers and report any suspicious activities.
The political arena has reacted with deep concern to the crisis. Zeliha Aksaz Sahbaz, Deputy Chairman of the opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), criticized the government’s tax policy on alcohol, attributing the rise in counterfeit alcohol consumption to prohibitive prices resulting from excessive taxation. According to Sahbaz, the taxation, which nearly touches 70% on 45 percent proof alcohol, drives those economically disadvantaged to seek cheaper, often hazardous alternatives.
“The figures related to illicit alcohol fatalities resemble a massacre,” stated Sahbaz. According to him, besides the public fatalities, many more undocumented cases likely occur across smaller towns and rural areas, exacerbating the crisis.
These ongoing incidents illuminate a broader issue tied to socioeconomic factors within Türkiye. The high cost of legally sold alcohol, propelled by steep taxes, has cultivated a fertile ground for illegal alcohol production and distribution network that operates in the shadows, often with fatal consequences.
The government’s dual focus on curtailing illegal production and educating the public on the risks of unregulated alcohol purchases is seen as a step in addressing the immediate health crisis. However, broader reformative measures addressing economic and policy elements contributing to this illicit trade might play a pivotal role in preventing future tragedies.
As Türkiye grapples with solving this complex issue, the world watches, again reminded of the often overlooked but grim impacts of the counterfeit alcohol trade on public health and safety.