The death toll in Istanbul’s suspected alcohol poisoning cases since October 18 has reached 18, Turkish health and police officials said Saturday.
Since Oct. 18, more than 80 people reported to hospitals for suspected alcohol poisoning, 18 of whom died while 15 others are under treatment in intensive care units and 11 others in emergency rooms, officials at Istanbul’s provincial Directorate of Health said.
Health experts will investigate samples from patients to find out the exact causes for the poisoning, it added.
Police said that it detained 21 suspects for manufacturing and selling illegal alcohol products. They also warned people against consuming bootleg liquor.
