A wave of tragedy has hit Istanbul as the death toll from tainted alcohol skyrockets to 37, leaving a trail of devastation and questions. This isn’t just a case of bad liquor; it’s a serious public health crisis that demands attention. Here’s a breakdown of the key points:
- Grim Toll: 37 lives lost in Istanbul due to tainted alcohol.
- Mass Poisoning: 77 people poisoned, with 17 still hospitalized.
- Deadly Culprit: Methanol-laced alcohol is the suspected cause.
- Crackdown: Authorities have arrested 14 individuals and seized thousands of bottles.
- Economic Impact: Soaring prices of legal alcohol fuels the black market.
The Deadly Rise of Tainted Alcohol
The city of Istanbul is grappling with a severe health crisis as the number of deaths linked to tainted alcohol has reached a staggering 37. The Governor’s office confirmed that these fatalities occurred over a six-week period, starting November 1st, and that 17 other individuals are still receiving treatment in hospitals. This is not an isolated incident, but part of a growing problem that has seen a significant number of people poisoned.
In total, 77 people have been poisoned since the beginning of November. According to reports, the number of individuals who were treated and subsequently discharged stands at 23. Earlier in December, Turkish media had reported 17 deaths and 22 hospitalizations, indicating a rapid escalation of the problem.
What’s Behind the Tainted Drinks?
The primary culprit behind these poisonings is suspected to be alcohol tainted with methanol. This toxic substance is sometimes added to liquor to increase its potency, but it has devastating consequences, including blindness, liver damage, and death. Methanol is a cheaper alternative to ethanol, the type of alcohol that is safe for consumption, and its addition is a dangerous move by unscrupulous producers.
The Growing Problem of Fake Booze
Unfortunately, poisonings from adulterated alcohol are not uncommon in Turkey. The high taxes on alcoholic beverages, which can often be 2-3 times higher than in many European countries, have led to a boom in illegal private production and sales. This underground market has made it more difficult to track and control the quality of the alcohol being consumed, which presents a significant danger to the public.
The most commonly faked product is raki, Turkey’s popular aniseed-flavored national beverage. The price of raki in supermarkets has skyrocketed to around 1,300 lira ($37.20) a liter. When you consider that the minimum wage in Turkey is only 17,000 lira ($489) a month, many turn to cheaper, often illegally produced options.
Authorities Crack Down
The Turkish authorities have responded to this crisis by taking action against those involved in the production and sale of fake alcohol. They have fined 32 businesses a total of 2.6 million Turkish lira ($76,200) for supplying fake alcohol and arrested 14 people in connection with the dangerous goods. Over 14,700 bottles of suspect liquor were also seized as part of the operation.
A History of Alcohol-Related Deaths
Sadly, this is not the first time Turkey has faced a crisis of this kind. In 2021, at least 25 people died over the span of a few days due to alcohol poisoning across different regions. A year prior, about 40 people had already lost their lives to similar alcohol-related poisonings. These numbers paint a grim picture of how dangerous the illegal alcohol trade in the country has become.
Political Context
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has often criticized alcohol consumption, has been accused of trying to Islamize the country. His government has been accused of exacerbating the problem with steep taxes and by not providing solutions to the issue. This has led to an increase in illegal alcohol sales, adding to the risk of further health issues.
Looking Forward
As the investigation continues, the Turkish authorities are under pressure to increase oversight and regulations to safeguard citizens. The country faces not only a public health crisis, but a deep-rooted economic and social problem that cannot be ignored. The rising death toll serves as a brutal reminder of the dangers of illicit alcohol production and sales and the urgent need for more effective policies.
