The problem of counterfeit alcohol in Türkiye.

(CLO) This year, the number of deaths due to counterfeit or smuggled alcohol has increased sharply. Since the beginning of 2025, at least 160 people have died from drinking illegally produced alcohol.

According to Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya, by the end of February, authorities had seized 648,000 liters of illegally produced alcohol and arrested 560 suspects.

Tourists visiting Türkiye are now advised to exercise caution when drinking alcohol, ensuring that the labels on their bottles are not counterfeit and that the blue ribbon (a small seal on the bottle cap) is not damaged or tampered with.

Rising prices for genuine liquor have led to a proliferation of counterfeit products in Türkiye. (Photo: Rudaw)

The primary cause of alcohol poisoning is the addition of cheap methanol instead of ethanol, which is produced through the fermentation of grains. Methanol is extremely toxic and can lead to visual disturbances, vomiting, dizziness, organ failure, and in the worst cases, death.

Cagin Tan Eroglu, an expert from Devletin Alkol Politikalarini Izleme Platformu, stated that drinks containing methanol are almost indistinguishable from those without. He noted that they smell the same, look the same, and even taste like regular alcohol.

Like many people in Turkey, Eroglu believes that the government 's tax policy has led to excessively high prices for beverages. Since 2013, the value-added tax and consumption tax on alcohol have automatically increased every six months, resulting in skyrocketing prices.

Currently, taxes account for about two-thirds of the price of spirits. And on top of that, the Turkish economy is suffering from hyperinflation. All of this has forced people to turn to the "black market," where they can get a cheaper alternative to the drink.

Economist Ozan Bingol, a Turkish tax expert, recently added it all up. "Fifteen years ago, the consumption tax alone was about 51.5 Turkish lira per liter of alcohol. Now it's almost 1,366 lira [per liter] – an astonishing increase of 2,553%," Bingol wrote on X in early February.

A bottle of traditional Turkish raki currently costs around $38. With a minimum monthly wage of approximately $610, this price makes it unaffordable for many average Turks.

Quang Anh (according to DW)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/van-nan-ruou-rom-o-tho-nhi-ky-post337657.html