Alcohol Killed Them in 24 Hours: At Least Eleven Dead Among 38 People Hospitalized Because of Adulterated Drinks

On January 14, 2025, the Istanbul governorate and local news agencies deplored the death of eleven people who consumed adulterated alcohol.

Eleven people have died in Istanbul in the past 24 hours after drinking tainted alcohol, Turkey's state-run Anadolu Agency reported on Tuesday.

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At least eleven dead

“38 people, including 26 foreigners, have been admitted to several hospitals in the city after drinking tainted alcohol. Eleven of them who were treated in the past 24 hours have died,” the state agency reported.

In 2024, 110 people fell ill after drinking adulterated alcohol in Istanbul, and 48 of them died, the Istanbul governorate said in a statement on X.

Toxic alcohol

Alcohol adulterated with methanol, a toxic alcohol used in industry and household products, is suspected to be the cause of the deaths.

The substance is used in the manufacture of antifreeze, windshield washer fluid, varnish and photocopier fluid. Methanol can be added to other alcohols to increase their strength or reduce their price, but it can cause blindness, liver damage and death.

Common poisonings

Poisonings from adulterated alcohol are quite common in Turkey, where clandestine production has exploded since the authorities raised taxes on alcoholic beverages.

The most common counterfeit product in the country is raki, the Turkish aniseed liqueur, which can be found on sale in supermarkets for around 1,300 Turkish liras per litre (around €36). The average salary in Turkey is 17,000 pounds (about 470 euros).

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, accused by his opponents of wanting to Islamize society, has repeatedly taken a stand against the consumption of alcohol and tobacco.