Seven more people died last night in Istanbul from consuming fake alcohol. This brings the number of victims since the beginning of this week to 37, Turkish state television TRT Haber reported.
During this time, 88 people have been admitted to various hospitals in the metropolis. Four people have already been discharged, and 29 people have been intubated and are currently in intensive care. Treatment of another 48 patients continues. Two people have escaped from the hospital, and one person has refused treatment.
A total of 15 people have been detained on suspicion of placing large quantities of fake alcohol on the market. Four of the suspects have been arrested by the court on charges of premeditated murder. The investigation into eight suspects continues, and three have been released, Haberler said.
The Istanbul Governorship has taken urgent action to address the problem. A written order, which was circulated by the media, states that additional measures are being introduced regarding the sale of counterfeit and illegal alcohol products, as well as that the penalties for these crimes are being increased.
Companies selling alcohol are obliged to install a system of high-frequency cameras that cover all premises and operate 24 hours a day. The camera recordings will be stored for 30 days.
The control over the implementation of the governor's order is assigned to the district governors (kaymakams) and the institutions, which will carry out inspections at any time of the day.
It is stated that the licenses for the sale of alcohol have been revoked from over 64 establishments and sites suspected of offering counterfeit alcohol products or those without tax stamps, as well as carrying out unregulated sales.
In the operations since the beginning of this year, about 33 tons of counterfeit alcohol have been discovered.