Health officials and citizens in Turkey are increasingly concerned about the alarming surge in alcohol-related deaths.
Turkey has issued a warning after 103 people, including six tourists, succumbed to bootleg alcohol poisoning this year alone.
Authorities are urging the public to be vigilant about the intoxicating dangers lurking in unregulated beverages.
With the rise of counterfeit liquor, the central cities of Ankara and Istanbul have been at the epicentre of this crisis, where illicit alcohol is disguised under well-known brand names.
From January 1 to mid-January, 33 deaths were reported in Ankara, while Istanbul recorded 70 fatalities since January 14.
Among the victims was a 19-year-old Australian woman, illustrating the indiscriminate nature of counterfeit alcohol poisoning.
According to an online report, over 230 individuals have been hospitalised due to severe poisoning symptoms, with 40 still in critical condition.
In response to this alarming public health crisis, local authorities have ramped up their efforts to combat the illegal alcohol trade.
Istanbul’s governor's office announced the implementation of strict measures aimed at curbing bootleg sales, including mandatory surveillance cameras in shops selling alcohol and suspending or revoking the licences of non-compliant vendors.
In recent operations, law enforcement seized 102 tons of methanol and ethanol in Ankara and over 86,000 litres of smuggled or counterfeit alcohol in Istanbul.
The crackdown has also led to the arrest of 24 individuals across both cities.
Staying safe: a guide to spotting counterfeit alcohol
With the rise in fatalities attributed to fake alcohol, experts are urging consumers to remain vigilant.
“This deadly trade in fake alcohol is not only illegal but potentially lethal,” warns Daniel Ufland, founder of The Whisky Masters.
In an effort to educate the public, he shares vital tips on how to identify counterfeit alcohol and ensure safe drinking practices.
Check the packaging carefully: Inspect for poor-quality labels, spelling mistakes or the absence of security features such as holograms or duty stamps. Be wary of broken seals.
Smell can reveal the truth: Authentic spirits should have familiar aromas. If it smells like chemicals-odour reminiscent of nail polish remover, paint thinner or even turpentine do not drink it.
Watch out for unexpected fizz: Spirits should never be fizzy. Bubbling suggests contamination.
Pricing that seems too good to be true: If a price appears significantly lower than the market rate for a reputable brand, it may be a counterfeit.
Examine the texture and appearance: Legitimate spirits should be clear with no floating particles. Sediment or unusual colouration can indicate tampering.
Buy only from trusted sellers: Purchase alcohol from licensed vendors to reduce risks.
The flame test: Though unreliable for spotting methanol, a flame test can check if a spirit burns correctly. A blue flame denotes authenticity.
Ufland says that symptoms of alcohol poisoning may include severe headaches, nausea and blurred vision, emphasising the importance of seeking medical assistance immediately if these arise post-consumption.
The expert also cautions against accepting free drinks from unknown sources, as many patrons unknowingly fall victim to spurious concoctions.
By adhering to the advice of experts and remaining vigilant, consumers can protect themselves and help diminish the impact of this hazardous trade.
∎ If you are battling with substance abuse, call the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) 24 hour Substance Abuse Helpline on 0800 12 13 14.