152 people die in Türkiye from bootleg alcohol in 2025, ministry reveals
Officials from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and Turkish police officers inspect bottles in a liquor shop, during an operation looking for counterfeit liquor, in Beyoglu district in Istanbul, on January 17, 2025. (Photo by KEMAL ASLAN / AFP)
Bootleg alcohol consumption claimed the lives of 152 people in 2025 in Türkiye, according to information obtained by an AA correspondent from the Ministry of Interior.
The ministry conducted an extensive crackdown on counterfeit alcohol production and trade, leading to 780 operations nationwide. During searches, authorities seized 445,016 liters of counterfeit alcohol.
As a result of the operations, 983 individuals were detained, with 50 suspects arrested and 75 placed under judicial control.
Investigations into other suspects are ongoing.
New regulations tighten control on bootleg alcohol sales
The crackdown comes as authorities implement stricter regulations on alcohol sales. Under a directive issued in October 2024, establishments selling alcohol must maintain 24/7 video surveillance systems.
A new mandate enacted on Jan. 10, 2025, further tightened controls by revoking business licenses of establishments caught selling counterfeit or smuggled alcohol.
The governor’s office has established a coordinated response between law enforcement and administrative units to enforce the new regulations.
Businesses must now possess proper certification from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry’s Tobacco and Alcohol Department and can only operate within designated zones approved by local municipal councils.
Local officials, including district governors and mayors, are legally required to enforce these regulations or face administrative sanctions and potential criminal charges, according to the governor’s statement.
