33 dead in Turkish capital due to counterfeit alcohol, police seize 102 tons
Ankara Governor Vasip Sahin reported that counterfeit alcohol consumption led to 33 deaths and the arrest of 13 suspects involved in illegal production, Ankara, Türkiye, Feb. 6, 2025. (IHA Photo)
Authorities in Ankara launched an extensive crackdown on illegal alcohol production after counterfeit alcohol killed 33 people.
Another 20 people are receiving treatment in intensive care units.
Large-scale operation in Ankara, Duzce, and Konya leads to 102-ton illegal alcohol seizure
Law enforcement carried out coordinated operations across Ankara, Duzce, and Konya, confiscating 102 tons of ethyl and methyl alcohol.
- Officers found 62 tons in Duzce and Konya
- 40 tons were seized within Ankara.
Authorities are targeting illegal production and distribution networks to prevent further casualties
Governor Vasip Sahin said, “The most tragic part of this situation is that 33 of our citizens lost their lives due to counterfeit alcohol consumption. Right now, 20 people remain in intensive care in our hospitals.”
Officers took legal action against 32 people involved in illegal alcohol production and sales. Authorities arrested 13 suspects, while 17 were released under judicial supervision. Officials urged the public to report any suspected counterfeit alcohol production and sales.
Experts explain severe health risks of methyl alcohol poisoning
Experts have warned that counterfeit alcohol often contains methanol, which is highly toxic. Unlike ethyl alcohol, methanol can cause severe health complications, including blindness and death.
Prof. Dr. Ali Yagiz Uresin from Istanbul University emphasized, “Methanol poisoning is extremely dangerous because its symptoms may not appear immediately. Once ingested, it is metabolized into toxic substances that attack the nervous system and organs. If poisoning is suspected, the affected person must seek medical help immediately.”
The expert also explained how methanol poisoning is treated. “Methanol itself is not the direct toxin; the real harm comes from its metabolism. We use ethanol or fomepizole as treatments to slow down this process. In severe cases, dialysis is necessary to remove the toxic substances from the bloodstream.”
Government urges consumers to avoid counterfeit alcohol and buy only from licensed retailers
Authorities are warning the public to stay away from unlicensed alcohol and buy only from verified retailers. Governor Sahin urged, “Alcohol is harmful to health, but counterfeit alcohol is even worse because it directly threatens lives. If alcohol is consumed, it should be purchased from authorized sellers to avoid tragedies.”
Health professionals stressed that early medical intervention increases survival chances for methanol poisoning victims. The treatment includes administering ethanol, which competes with methanol in metabolism and slows the production of toxic byproducts. In severe cases, hemodialysis removes methanol from the bloodstream.
Last month, counterfeit alcohol killed 33 people in Istanbul. Experts say high alcohol taxes encourage the production and sale of illegal alcohol, which fuels these deadly incidents.
Authorities are closely monitoring the situation as law enforcement intensifies inspections and crackdowns. Officials encourage the public to report suspicious alcohol sales to prevent more deaths.
