The chief public prosecutor’s office in Ankara has apprehended 28 suspects believed to be involved in the production and distribution of counterfeit alcohol. Anadolu reported that all but three of these individuals were subsequently released on conditional terms. As of February 7, the governor of Ankara announced that 33 people had died, with an additional 20 individuals in critical condition. A spokesperson from the governor’s office clarified that these figures spanned from the beginning of the year.
In a separate incident, Istanbul saw a tragic spike in deaths, with 38 fatalities occurring over just four days due to the consumption of counterfeit alcohol. By January 17, a further 26 individuals were hospitalized in intensive care as a result of similar cases. After a three-week hiatus in official updates, the death toll surged to 70 by February 7, with 21 more individuals receiving medical treatment, eight of whom were in intensive care. Subsequent information about these individuals’ conditions has not been disclosed.
Despite Turkey’s secular status, alcohol taxation has significantly increased under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who is known for his opposition to alcohol consumption due to his religious beliefs. The cost of a liter bottle of raki, Turkey’s popular aniseed-flavored national spirit, now stands at approximately 1,300 lira ($37.20) in supermarkets. This is notable in a country where the minimum wage has recently reached $600 per month. Critics argue that these elevated prices are leading to the rise of illicit alcohol production.
The affordability of counterfeit alcohol compared to legitimate brands is a significant factor contributing to its consumption, especially for consumers seeking cost-effective options and even for tour operators aiming to reduce expenses. A 2015 report by the USDA on alcohol regulations and taxes in Turkey highlighted this issue.
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