A total of 33 people have died as a result of consuming fake alcohol in Ankara, and 20 people are in intensive care units in hospitals in the Turkish capital. This was announced today by Ankara Governor Vasip Sahin, quoted by local media, BTA reports.
Following the huge number of deaths caused by counterfeit alcohol in Istanbul and the capital Ankara, the situation has escalated, triggering a serious crisis related to the production and distribution of illegal alcohol.
So far, 13 people have been detained in Ankara in the case, with detention orders issued for 32 more.
“Unfortunately, deaths caused by counterfeit alcohol have increased in recent days,“ the Ankara Governorship said in a statement on the social network Ex.
Law enforcement and food and beverage control units are continuing intensive investigations and inspections. Significant amounts of materials used to produce counterfeit alcohol have been seized. In the fight against the production, sale and consumption of illegal drinks, the authorities emphasize that the most valuable support will be provided by citizens, who should not purchase alcohol from unlicensed places and report any suspicions to the institutions.
Earlier this year, more than 30 people died from poisoning with counterfeit spirits in Istanbul.
The use of illegal alcohol is a serious social problem in Turkey, where high excise taxes make legal alcoholic beverages expensive. Every year, dozens of citizens lose their lives from poisoning with counterfeit spirits.
In recent months, alcohol prices in Turkey have been significantly increased.