Türkiye Cracks Down on Bootleg Alcohol After 124 Deaths in Istanbul and Ankara

Türkiye has ramped up its fight against counterfeit alcohol following a surge in bootleg liquor-related deaths, with at least 124 fatalities reported in Istanbul and Ankara since the start of the year. The crisis has reignited concerns over illegal alcohol production in the country.

Death Toll Rises Amid Intensified Raids

In Ankara, the death toll from tainted alcohol has climbed to 54, while 40 others remain in intensive care, according to Anadolu Agency. In Istanbul, the number of deaths has reached 70. Over the weekend, police raids in Istanbul, Samsun, Adana, Cankiri, and Kastamonu resulted in the arrest of multiple suspects involved in producing toxic spirits, Anadolu reported.

This spike follows a similar incident in 2020, when nearly 100 people died due to bootleg alcohol, leading to stricter regulations against illicit producers.

Authorities Tighten Measures

In response to the recent deaths, the governors’ offices in Istanbul and Ankara have announced additional steps to curb illegal alcohol sales. Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc revealed that 88 suspects have been arrested on "deliberate murder" charges, with thousands of liters of counterfeit alcohol seized in more than 10 provinces. Over 100 establishments selling illegal alcohol have been shut down in Istanbul and Ankara, he added.

"Everyone responsible for selling illegal alcohol and causing deaths will be identified and brought to justice," Tunc emphasized.

Strict Alcohol Regulations and Rising Prices

Türkiye enforces strict regulations on alcohol sales, restricting purchases to licensed vendors under tight government supervision. Recent policy changes include:

• 24/7 video surveillance for alcohol vendors (implemented in October 2024).
• Revocation of licenses for establishments selling clandestine alcohol (introduced last month).

Despite these efforts, high alcohol taxes continue to drive demand for cheaper, illicit liquor.

"Taxes are very high in certified vendors; therefore, people who consume alcohol regularly will still try to purchase cheaper, illicit booze," said Ahmet Kurnaci, a licensed vendor in Ankara’s Cankaya district, speaking to Xinhua.

Counterfeit Alcohol Linked to Grocery Stores and Bars

Local media reports indicate that some small grocery stores in Ankara have been found producing and selling bootleg liquor in plastic water bottles, linked to multiple fatalities. The national drink raki, heavily taxed, has also become a prime target for counterfeit production. Some restaurants and bars, struggling with rising inflation, have reportedly resorted to homemade or bootleg alcohol, further exacerbating the crisis.

Health Risks and International Warnings

Experts warn that tainted alcohol often contains methanol, a toxic substance that can lead to blindness or death. Even without methanol, excessive ethyl alcohol levels can cause severe health issues.

With Türkiye preparing for its summer tourism season, the United States, Britain, and the Netherlands have issued travel advisories, warning visitors about the risks of counterfeit alcohol.

While alcohol remains more widely available in Türkiye compared to other Muslim-majority countries, its consumption levels are still among the lowest in Europe, according to recent EU statistics.