Bootleg Alcohol Deaths in Istanbul Highlight Turkey’s Public Health Crisis

At least 33 people have died and dozens remain hospitalized as soaring alcohol taxes drive demand for dangerous counterfeit liquor.

At least 33 people have died and 29 remain in intensive care after consuming bootleg alcohol in Istanbul over the past four days.
Authorities have detained six suspects and charged two with 'deliberate murder' as part of a crackdown on counterfeit alcohol production and distribution.
Turkey's steep alcohol taxes, which have increased over 2,500% since 2010, are pushing citizens toward cheaper, unsafe alternatives like methanol-tainted moonshine.
Since January 1, officials have seized 29 tons of counterfeit alcohol and shut down 64 businesses linked to the sale of illicit drinks.
The British Foreign Office has issued a warning to tourists about the risks of counterfeit alcohol in Turkey, as economic pressures and public health concerns grow.