ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Counterfeit alcohol is being blamed for the deaths of 33 people in Turkey’s capital city. Another 20 people remain hospitalized and under observation, an official said on Friday.
“What is striking and very saddening for us here is that, unfortunately, 33 of our citizens have lost their lives due to the consumption of counterfeit alcohol. Currently, 20 people are receiving treatment in intensive care in our hospitals,” Governor of Ankara Vasip Shahin said at a memorial ceremony, Anadolu Agency reported.
Shahin said that counterfeit alcohol poses a lethal threat and urged people to purchase alcoholic beverages only from authorized, legal, and well-known retailers.
“In connection with this matter, legal action has been taken against 32 individuals involved in the production and sale of illicit alcohol,” he said.
Thirteen people have been arrested and another 17 have been released under judicial control. Authorities also seized 102 tons of ethyl and methyl alcohol, according to Anadolu.
Shahin also urged the public to report individuals selling counterfeit alcohol.
This is the second time in less than a month that tens of people were killed by bootleg alcohol. In mid-January, nearly 30 people died in Istanbul after consuming tainted liquor.
Many people blamed the deaths on high prices at liquor shops, forcing shoppers to look for cheaper alternatives.
Turkey's national anise-flavored liquor, raki, is the most commonly faked alcoholic beverage. The price of raki has soared to around 1,300 lira ($37.20) per liter in supermarkets. Turkey raised the minimum wage to 22,104 lira ($600) on January 1.
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