The number of people who died from counterfeit alcohol in Istanbul has risen to 37.

Since November 1st, 73 people have been hospitalized in Istanbul on suspicion of poisoning from counterfeit alcohol. It has been reported that 37 of them have died, while the treatment of 17 others is still ongoing. It was stated that 19 people have been discharged.

36 SUSPECTS PROCESSED

Following the deaths from counterfeit alcohol, police teams continue their inspections without slowing down. In the operations aimed at capturing those who supply counterfeit alcohol and cause poisonings, proceedings have been initiated against 36 suspects. Of the suspects, 14 were arrested, while judicial control measures were applied to 8, and 14 were released.

2.6 MILLION TL FINE FOR 32 BUSINESSES

Meanwhile, inspections of counterfeit alcoholic beverages in Istanbul continue uninterrupted. In 2024, the teams of the Istanbul Police Department's Anti-Smuggling and Organized Crime Division conducted inspections at 1,002 businesses. During the inspections, 287,758 liters of alcoholic liquid, 14,701 full bottles of alcoholic beverages, 853,460 labels and seals used in the production of alcoholic beverages, and many products used in the production and sale of illegal or counterfeit alcoholic beverages were seized. A total administrative fine of 2,662,052 TL was imposed on 32 businesses.