17 people die of counterfeit alcohol in İzmir, Mersin

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13 people have so far applied to hospitals in Mersin for suspected alcohol poisoning from fake liquor. While five people have lost their lives in hospitals, eight people are reportedly still in treatment.

As reported by the state-run Anadolu Agency (AA), the teams of the Department for Fighting against Smuggling and Organized Crimes launched an operation against a kiosk in Toroslar district that allegedly sold fake liquor to the deceased. While 9.5 liters of fake liquor have been seized in the kiosk, its owners H.Ü. and E.A. have been detained and the kiosk has been closed.

The teams also launched an operation against the residence of M.F., who was detected to sell fake alcohol to the kiosk. 279 liters of ethyl alcohol, anis, aroma, labels, kit and funnels used in alcohol production have been found, the suspect has been taken into custody. 

Following the related proceedings at the security directorate, M.F., H.Ü. and E.A. have been arrested by the penal judgeship of peace.

Police teams reached eight people

Based on the statements of the three arrested suspects, the police teams identified the addresses of the persons who bought fake liquor. The teams have found 19 liters of fake liquor there. Undergoing a health check, these eight people are reportedly in good health condition.

Methanol found in seized fake liquor

It has been further reported that high levels of methanol have been found in the seized fake liquors. On the other side, following these recent alcohol poisonings, police teams inspected 650 kiosks in the city. The inspections will increasingly continue, according to news reports.

12 people in total have died in İzmir

As reported by the AA, two more persons died of methanol poisoning in İzmir today (October 12). While the bodies of the deceased have been referred to the İzmir Forensic Medicine Institution, the total death toll from counterfeit alcohol in Turkey's Aegean city has increased to 12. 22 people are reportedly still in treatment for fake liquor poisoning.

On October 9, 18 people applied to hospitals for suspected alcohol poisoning from fake liquor. Operations were conducted against five workplaces, one warehouse and one residence as part of the ensuing probe.

The online sale of ethanol and methanol has been banned by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry as of October 1, 2020. (EMK/SD)