Death toll from bootleg alcohol crisis in Istanbul rises to 20

ISTANBUL/TEKİRDAĞ

A total of 1,000 liters of bootleg alcohol stored in wooden barrels and 200 bottles of bootleg alcohol were seized in Tekirdağ's Çorlu district. DHA Photo

The death toll in the bootleg alcohol consumption crisis in Istanbul has risen to 20, while a total of 91 people have applied to hospitals for treatment.

According to samples obtained during treatment, the cause of death was alcohol poisoning.

Nine people are still under treatment in the intensive care unit, while another 12 have been transferred to hospitals.

Police have detained 21 people in relation to the case, including suspected producers, suppliers, and sellers, while seizing thousands of bottles in several operations across Turkey. The suspects have been charged with homicide with possible intent.    

Police also raided a bootleg alcohol shop in the northwestern province of Tekirdağ on Nov. 2. One suspect was detained in the operation, while a total of 1,000 liters of bootleg alcohol stored in wooden barrels and 200 bottles of bootleg alcohol were seized, the state-run Anadolu Agency reported.