In a tragic 24-hour period, 11 individuals in Istanbul have died after consuming counterfeit alcohol, as reported by Turkish TV station NTV.
Among the victims, several are citizens of Turkmenistan, underscoring the growing international concern over the city’s counterfeit alcohol trade.
This alarming spike in fatalities has brought the total number of deaths related to fake alcohol in Istanbul to more than 50 in recent months.
The surge in alcohol poisoning cases has prompted immediate action from local authorities. The Istanbul governor’s office has introduced strict measures to curb the sale of counterfeit alcohol and ensure public safety.
In a bid to track illicit alcohol sales, all alcohol-selling establishments in the city are now mandated to install 24-hour video surveillance systems.
These new surveillance requirements aim to prevent the illegal distribution of counterfeit spirits and increase accountability among vendors.
Additionally, Istanbul Governor Davut Gul announced the revocation of licenses for 63 alcohol outlets found to be selling counterfeit products.
These outlets, which were deemed responsible for spreading the dangerous substance, have been closed down, according to the news website Son Dakika.
The crackdown is part of a broader effort to address the public health crisis caused by counterfeit alcohol consumption.
Governor Gul expressed grave concern about the rising death toll, describing the problem as a “serious social issue” that demands urgent attention.
“The loss of so many lives due to counterfeit alcohol is unacceptable,” said Gul. “We must take decisive steps to ensure this never happens again.”
Turkey’s high alcohol taxes have fueled the growth of the illegal alcohol market, which often leads to the sale of toxic counterfeit spirits.
These unregulated products, which typically contain methanol and other harmful chemicals, pose significant health risks to consumers.
When ingested, methanol can cause severe poisoning, leading to blindness, organ failure, and, in many cases, death.
Local health experts have warned that the dangers of counterfeit alcohol are not limited to a few isolated incidents.
With the increasing number of deaths linked to fake alcohol consumption, public health officials are sounding the alarm about the urgent need to tackle this issue.
Many of the victims of counterfeit alcohol poisoning are unaware of the dangers they face when purchasing cheaper, unregulated spirits.
The recent deaths have sparked widespread concern among Istanbul’s residents, with many questioning the safety of alcohol sold in the city.
Authorities have called for greater vigilance from both the public and businesses, urging citizens to report any suspicious alcohol products to the authorities.
As part of the government’s crackdown, law enforcement agencies are also investigating the origin of the counterfeit alcohol to uncover the networks behind its distribution.
The crisis has drawn attention to the broader implications of Turkey’s alcohol policies, with some critics arguing that high taxes on alcohol are exacerbating the problem of illicit sales.
However, Turkish officials insist that the new surveillance measures and the closure of counterfeit alcohol outlets are necessary steps in combating the deadly trade.
As the investigation into the counterfeit alcohol deaths continues, authorities are hoping that the new regulations will significantly reduce the number of fatalities and prevent further harm to the public.
The recent deaths serve as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by counterfeit products and the ongoing struggle to protect citizens from this deadly trade.