34 people dead as ‘alcohol poisoning’ warning issued for holiday hotspot

Dozens more have been hospitalised

On Thursday, local authorities said 35 people have died after consuming bootleg drinks laced with methanol since the start of the year. On Wednesday, Turkish authorities said 23 people had died in just 48 hours after drinking tainted alcohol, CBS News reports.

Another 43 people were hospitalised, with 32 place in intensive care, officials said. The cases have been part of a significant 48-hour spike in admissions related to the poisonings.

Police have arrested four people accused of selling contaminated alcoholic drinks and 'intentional homicide.'

Methanol is a chemical used in solvents, fuel, pesticides and antifreeze. However, it is often found in adulterated alcohol products, with the substance used to increase the alcohol's potency.

It is sometimes used instead of ethanol because it is cheaper.

Along with potentially being fatal, methanol can also cause blindness and liver damage.

Since the start of 2025, some 29 tonnes of adulterated alcohol has been seized by authorities in Istanbul, according to local government. A total of 64 businesses have had their licenses revoked for selling adulterated booze.

A recent increase in alcohol taxes is thought to have prompted a surge in bootleg brewing operations in the Turkish capital.

In 2024, 110 people fell ill after drinking tainted alcohol in Istanbul, of whom 48 died, according to government officials.

The UK Foreign Office has warned holidaymakers to be wary of "counterfeit" alcohol sold in Istanbul.

Its travel advice reads: "People have died or suffered serious illness in Istanbul, Turkey after drinking illegally produced local spirits and counterfeit bottles of branded alcohol.

"To protect yourself: buy alcoholic beverages only from licensed liquor stores, buy drinks only at licensed bars and hotels, avoid home-made alcoholic drinks, check bottle seals are intact, and check labels for poor print quality or incorrect spelling.

"If you have any concerns, ask for advice from your tour operator or the Turkish authorities. Seek urgent medical attention if you or someone you are travelling with falls ill after drinking alcohol."

Last year, six tourists, including British national Simone White, died from suspected methanol poisoning in Laos after drinking free shots at a backpacker's hostel.