Turkey has arrested 121 suspects in a nationwide operation targeting illegal liquor producers.
Authorities also seized over 33,000 litres of bootleg alcohol in one of the country’s largest crackdowns on illicit drinks in recent years.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya made the announcement on Tuesday, August 5, via his official X account, formerly Twitter .
He revealed that police carried out the raids over the last two weeks across all 81 provinces.
However, the largest sweeps occurred in Istanbul and Antalya, a major tourist destination in southern Turkey.
“Our teams arrested 121 suspects and seized 33,554 litres of bootleg alcohol,” Yerlikaya said.
He warned that the illegal production of alcohol poses a serious public health risk.
“This isn’t just a crime; it’s a deadly trap. We urge citizens to report any suspicious activity,” he added.
According to Anadolu, Turkey’s state-run news agency, tainted alcohol has killed at least 152 people since the start of the year.
Most deaths occurred in January and February when black-market liquor surged due to rising prices and alcohol taxes.
Bootleg alcohol often contains methanol a highly toxic substance. Even small amounts can cause blindness, liver damage, and death.
While Turkey is officially a secular country, the ruling government has taken a strong stance against alcohol. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, a devout Muslim, has consistently increased taxes on alcoholic beverages.
His administration argues that these measures promote public health. Yet critics say the rising cost is pushing more people toward dangerous homemade alternatives.
In tourist areas, alcohol prices have become unaffordable for many locals. As a result, the illegal liquor market is booming. Vendors often disguise bootleg drinks in legitimate packaging, making them harder to detect.
Moreover, the demand increases during holidays and festivals, when alcohol consumption typically spikes. Police say they are increasing patrols and inspections during these peak periods.
Health experts warn that unless the government addresses the root causes such as pricing and access the crisis could worsen. They urge public education campaigns and affordable alternatives to combat the rise in toxic alcohol.
Meanwhile, authorities vow to keep up the pressure. Yerlikaya stated that the nationwide operations will continue.