If you thought dodgy booze was just a problem in Laos and Fiji, think again—Turkey is now in the spotlight, and it’s not looking good. Tourists and locals need to be extra careful when drinking alcohol in cities like Istanbul and Ankara because a wave of fake liquor is turning deadly.
What’s Going On?
According to NTV (Feb 8, 2025), authorities have issued a major warning about the rise of bootleg alcohol, disguised as well-known brands but laced with toxic chemicals. So far, the death toll is shocking.
Why Is This Happening?
Alcohol prices in Turkey have skyrocketed in recent years, thanks to heavy taxes imposed by the AK Party government under President Tayyip Erdogan. Many people—especially bars, restaurants, and shops—are turning to illegal alcohol or home-brewed liquor because it’s way cheaper.
To make things worse, the Turkish government raised alcohol taxes again on January 3, 2025, making legal booze even more unaffordable.
Crackdown on Fake Booze
Officials are stepping up efforts to shut down the illegal booze market, including:
- Mandatory security cameras in liquor stores.
- More frequent inspections.
- Revoking alcohol licenses from shady sellers.
- Cops have already made multiple arrests:
13 suspects in Ankara.
11 more in Istanbul.
Authorities seized 102 tons of methanol & ethanol in Ankara and over 86,000 liters of fake alcohol in Istanbul.
Not Just a Turkey Problem
Turkey isn’t the only place where bad alcohol is killing people. Just a few months ago, a British backpacker, Simone White (28), and five others died in Laos after drinking methanol-laced liquor.
Victims included:
- Two Danish tourists.
- Two Australians.
- One American.
They were reportedly given free drinks at a bar in Vang Vieng before falling seriously ill.
How to Stay Safe?
If you’re traveling or even drinking locally, be smart:
- Avoid sketchy bars or unknown brands.
- Don’t trust free drinks from strangers.
- Stick to sealed bottles from reputable places.
A night out shouldn’t cost you your life—so be extra cautious when it comes to what you drink.