Four more Uzbekistan nationals died in Türkiye after drinking counterfeit alcoholic beverages Thursday, the Consulate General in Istanbul said.
Six deaths were initially reported on January 14, followed by four more on January 15. And as of today, the death toll of Uzbeks has reached 14.
According to latest update, as of January 17, a total of 88 individuals across Türkiye have been diagnosed with alcohol poisoning from counterfeit alcoholic beverages, with 37 fatalities, including locals and foreign nationals.
The police arrested nine suspects and seized 227 bottles of counterfeit alcohol and distillation equipment. Of the nine suspects, three were released after interrogation, while six remain under investigation.
Uzbek diplomats said they had visited intensive care units in Istanbul hospitals to check on citizens receiving treatment for alcohol poisoning. Three of them are reported to be in critical condition.
