More than 100 people have tragically died from bootleg alcohol poisoning in Turkey since the beginning of 2025, as rising sales of counterfeit alcoholic beverages spark an alarming public health crisis in major cities like Istanbul and Ankara. The deaths are a result of consuming alcohol laced with toxic chemicals like methanol, often sold as legitimate, high-end brands.
In Istanbul, 70 people have died from the poisoning since January 14, 2025, while another 33 fatalities have been reported in Ankara, according to local news outlet NTV. In addition, more than 230 people in the two cities have been hospitalized, with 40 in critical condition.
The surge in deaths follows the Turkish government’s heavy taxation on alcohol, which has led to significant price hikes. These higher costs have pushed consumers, as well as bars, restaurants, and shops, to seek out cheaper, illicit alcohol. As the demand for illegal alcohol has increased, so has the danger of poisoning from poorly made or tampered drinks.
In response, authorities have stepped up efforts to combat the illegal alcohol trade. Since the beginning of the year, police in Ankara and Istanbul have arrested 24 people involved in the distribution of bootleg alcohol. Authorities have also seized significant quantities of methanol and ethanol, with 102 tons confiscated in Ankara and over 86,000 liters of illegal alcohol seized in Istanbul.
The Istanbul governor’s office has implemented stricter regulations to curb the illegal trade, including requiring mandatory cameras at alcohol-selling stores and conducting regular inspections. Despite these efforts, the crisis continues to worsen, underscoring the growing dangers of turning to illicit alcohol as prices for legal beverages climb.
The rising death toll from bootleg alcohol poisoning highlights the severe consequences of Turkey’s escalating alcohol taxes and the urgent need for effective measures to both address the illegal alcohol trade and provide safer alternatives for consumers.
Key Facts:
- Over 100 people have died from bootleg alcohol poisoning in Istanbul and Ankara since January 2025.
- The price hikes on alcohol due to high taxes have driven consumers and businesses to rely on illegal alcohol, which is often contaminated with dangerous chemicals like methanol.
- Authorities have arrested 24 individuals and seized large quantities of illegal alcohol and toxic substances in recent raids.
- New regulations, including mandatory surveillance at alcohol-selling stores and more inspections, have been introduced to combat bootleg alcohol distribution.
Bootleg Alcohol Picture by Free Malaysia Today- 2025 CC-BY-4-0
