Over a hundred people detained in Turkey, charged with the illicit manufacturing of alcohol
In a significant crackdown, Turkish authorities have detained 121 suspects involved in the illegal production of alcohol across 81 provinces, seizing over 33,000 liters of illicit and ethyl alcohol [1]. This operation, spanning late July to early August 2025, was aimed at curbing the dangerous underground industry that has been causing severe public health crises in Turkey.
According to reports from the state-run news agency Anadolu, at least 152 people died from drinking counterfeit alcohol in January and February alone [1]. This deadly threat to public health has been particularly pronounced in major urban and tourist centers like Istanbul and Antalya, where illegal alcohol circulation is more active.
The illegal production of alcohol in Turkey is closely linked to the country's high alcohol taxes and enforcement policies under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's government. Critics argue that these factors indirectly promote bootleg production by making legal alcohol less affordable [1].
Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya described illegal alcohol production as a "deadly trap" to public health and urged the public to report any suspicious activity related to it to the authorities [1]. Yerlikaya made the announcement via the online platform X.
The majority of the arrests occurred in Istanbul and Antalya, with the largest operations centered in these key cities. However, the ongoing issue of illegal alcohol production and its health risks remains a concern in Turkey, despite the efforts to curb it through arrests and seizures.
President Erdogan, a devout Muslim, has repeatedly spoken out against alcohol consumption. Despite this, the high prices and taxes on alcohol have led to a significant increase in illegal production in Turkey. It is worth noting that the seizure of over 33,000 liters of illicitly produced alcohol during the operations does not seem to have significantly reduced the availability of counterfeit alcohol in the country.
Often, illicitly distilled spirits are mixed with methanol, a toxic substance that can lead to blindness, liver damage, or even death [1]. The majority of the deaths from counterfeit alcohol may not be included in the 152 deaths reported by Anadolu, as the data might not be comprehensive or up-to-date.
The Turkish government continues to urge citizens to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to illegal alcohol production. As the authorities work to combat this dangerous black market, the public's cooperation is crucial in ensuring a safer and healthier Turkey.
[1] Source: ntv.de and AFP.
- In light of the ongoing health-and-wellness and mental-health crises related to the illegal production of alcohol, the Turkish government has drafted stricter employment policies within the community policy to address this issue, with a focus on curbing such activities and improving public safety.
- Despite the recent crackdown on illegal production of alcohol, the increasing threats to public health and mental well-being, especially in major urban and tourist centers, have prompted science research institutes to investigate alternative methods for alcohol production that are both affordable and safe, with the goal of reducing the demand for illicit alcohol.
- As crime-and-justice concerns persist in Turkey due to the illegal alcohol industry, local news agencies have started dedicating resources to general-news coverage of the ongoing operations aimed at dismantling the black market, keeping citizens informed on the latest developments and emphasizing the importance of personal responsibility and public engagement in fostering a safer environment.
