Concerns rise over bootleg alcohol as new year’s approaches

Safety concerns are rising in Istanbul due to incidents of poisoning from bootleg alcohol.

Reports from Thursday indicate that the number of people receiving treatment in hospitals for poisoning related to bootleg alcohol in Sisli, Beyoglu and Umraniye has increased to nine, with three individuals confirmed dead.

Ongoing operations by the Istanbul Police Department’s Anti-Smuggling Unit, supported by teams from the Beyoglu and Sisli district police departments, have successfully dismantled a distribution network for bootleg alcohol.

Investigators discovered 410 liters of both ethyl and methyl alcohol, six anise-flavored products used in the production of bootleg alcohol, and numerous unlicensed smuggled cigars.

This year’s data from the anti-smuggling unit revealed that more than 300 tons of bootleg and fake alcohol were seized in operations throughout 2024, reflecting a 483% increase in apprehension rates compared to previous years.

While the problem of unsafe alcohol has improved over the past year, it remains a significant issue. Records show that over the past three years, more than 250 Turkish citizens have died due to the consumption of bootleg alcohol.

Bendevi Palandoken, the president of the Confederation of Turkish Tradesmen and Artisans (TESK), emphasized the importance of consumer awareness.

“Before this New Year’s, citizens should opt for banderol (tax-stamped) products that comply with production regulations and health standards while shopping,” he advised.