ISTANBUL, Dec. 16 (Xinhua) -- Since the beginning of November, 37 people have died from poisoning due to consuming counterfeit alcohol in Türkiye's Istanbul, the Istanbul Governor's Office said in a statement on Monday.
According to the statement, 73 individuals have been poisoned by counterfeit alcohol during this period, while 17 individuals are still receiving treatment in hospitals.
"In the investigations related to alcohol poisoning incidents, proceedings have been initiated against 36 suspects who provided counterfeit alcohol," the office noted, adding that 14 of them have been arrested.
The Anti-Smuggling and Organized Crime Branch of the Istanbul Police Department has been cracking down on the production and sale of counterfeit alcohol. The policemen confiscated significant amounts of fake alcoholic drinks, as well as banderoles, labels, and other materials used for producing counterfeit alcohol.
As a result, thirty-two businesses received fines for participation in the illegal production and sale of these counterfeit products. ■
