Death toll from counterfeit alcohol continues to rise

The number of people poisoned by counterfeit alcohol in Istanbul is rising. Out of 15 people who consumed counterfeit alcohol in Ümraniye, Fatih, and Şişli, 7 have lost their lives. Murat Calp, Erdoğan Tarhan, Bekir Baybars, Zekai Sevmezler, Orhan Akçamlı, Hasan Günhan, and one person whose identity has not yet been disclosed could not be saved despite all medical interventions.

It has been learned that the condition of 8 people receiving treatment in the hospital remains critical. Those under treatment in intensive care include Osman Şentürk, Umut Calp, Şaban Olcay Ülker, Sibel Lupu, Berat İşleyen, Natalya Minyanova, Erdal Çilek, and Hasan Günhan.

POLICE OPERATION: 12 DETAINED 

Following the increase in poisonings caused by counterfeit alcohol, teams from the Istanbul Police Department's Anti-Smuggling Crimes Branch and the Beyoğlu Public Security Bureau took action. As a result of the investigations, 12 suspects who supplied the counterfeit alcohol were identified.

In operations conducted at addresses belonging to the suspects and at certain entertainment venues, 410 liters of ethyl and methyl alcohol, 165 bottles of counterfeit alcohol, and various substances used in the production of illicit alcohol were seized. Ergün A. (46) and Emrah A. (27) were detained during a raid on a business in the Bozkurt neighborhood of Şişli. In Beyoğlu, Emre K. (30), who was determined to be distributing counterfeit alcohol by motorcycle, was caught red-handed after being ordered by police posing as customers.

ARREST DECISION 

The detained suspects were referred to the courthouse. Emre K., who was caught in Beyoğlu, was arrested by the court on charges of "attempted intentional homicide."

COUNTERFEIT ALCOHOL RAID ON NIGHTCLUBS 

Police teams also carried out inspections on businesses selling alcohol. During checks conducted in Beyoğlu, 33 bottles of unbanded counterfeit alcohol, totaling 16 liters, were seized. Business owners M.Ç. and R.G. were detained. It was stated that the suspects have a total of 28 criminal records.

News Source: 12punto