Warnings About Counterfeit Alcohol in Turkey Amid Rising Deaths

Tourists in Turkey are being warned to avoid counterfeit alcohol due to over 103 deaths linked to fake spirits. The situation has worsened due to high alcohol taxes, leading to a rise in bootlegging. Authorities are tightening regulations, making seizures and arrests to address this dangerous trend.

Tourists traveling to Turkey are advised to exercise caution regarding counterfeit alcohol, following over 103 fatalities linked to illicit spirits. Fake alcoholic beverages, deceptively marketed as reputable brands, have been sold in legal establishments, leading to severe health risks. Increasing taxes under President Tayyip Erdogan’s government have driven prices up, enforcing a heavier dependence on bootleg alcohol.

Istanbul has reported 70 deaths from alcohol poisoning since mid-January, while Ankara has seen 33 fatalities since the start of 2025. Furthermore, around 230 individuals required hospitalization due to consumption of these dangerous products, with 40 patients in critical condition. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against drinking homemade alcohol and encourages consumers to check for secure seals and high-quality labels, warning of the dangers from counterfeit spirits.

Authorities in Turkey are enhancing inspections to combat the production and distribution of counterfeit alcohol. Recent efforts led to the arrests of 13 suspects in Ankara and 11 in Istanbul. Officials seized approximately 29 tonnes of fake alcohol and shuttered 64 businesses in a span of just two weeks.

Globally, the issue of harmful alcohol is notable, as illustrated by incidents involving tourists. British lawyer Simone White was among six individuals fatally poisoned in Laos, and Briton Greta Marie Otteson died due to methanol poisoning in Vietnam after consuming free homemade liquor. In similar reports, other tourists have experienced grave health consequences after consuming questionable beverages, often attributed to high methanol levels from erroneous distillation processes.

With rising incidents of fatalities due to counterfeit alcohol, particularly in Turkey, tourists must remain vigilant. The combination of stringent taxation and illicit alcohol production poses a significant public health threat. Travelers should adhere to safety guidelines outlined by health authorities to mitigate risks associated with counterfeit alcoholic beverages.

Original Source: www.standard.co.uk