Methanol poisoning kills 33 in Turkey and leaves further 48 in hospital
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A suspected methanol poisoning has killed 33 in Turkey, leaving a staggering 48 victims still suffering in hospital.
Officials have said that those affected had consumed drinks spiked with methanol - a toxic industrial chemical - rather than ethanol.
Four current suspects who have been accused of selling the drinks have since been arrested and been charged with “intentional homicide”, according to Istanbul's officials.
Since the start of 2025, authorities have confiscated 29 tonnes of adulterated alcohol, as well as shut down 64 businesses for violations.
Since the start of 2025, authorities have confiscated 29 tonnes of adulterated alcohol (Stock)
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However, the business owners have attributed the problem to high alcohol taxes, which they have insisted are driving people to favour bootleg production.
In 2023, methanol-spiked drinks led to the death of 48 in the Turkish capital.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has regularly faced accusations of attempting to impose socially conservative views upon the country as he has consistently opposed drinking and smoking.
Consequently, his beliefs on alcohol, as well as high taxes, has been blamed for the increase in spiking drinks.
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So far, police have raided a number of areas around the country, including Sisli, Beyoglu, Fatih and Esenyurt.
Eight have been arrested connected to the spiked drinks.
Last December, police seized 516 bottles of illegal alcohol during the Fatij and Sultangazi districts.
Earlier in November, six people died from methanol poisoning in Vang Vieng, Laos.
Earlier in November, six people died from methanol poisoning in Laos
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As a result from the dreadful poisonings, a vodka and whisky factory - who are believed to be the producer of the fatal drinks - has been shut down by local police.
Officers have arrested the responsible factory’s owner which is believed to have produced budget liquors called Tiger Vodka and Tiger Whisky, as well as banned the sale of the drinks entirely, ABC has reported.
Simone White, 28, from London, was one of the victims who consumed the poisonous beverage in the tourist town.
All the victims were residing at Nana Backpackers Hostel, while police have arrested eight staff who have been accused of refusing to call emergency services for the victims who were left “vomiting blood” for hours.
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