Number of Uzbeks poisoned by counterfeit alcohol in Turkey increases

As of January 30, the number of Uzbek citizens poisoned by counterfeit alcohol in Turkey has risen to 23, according to the Consulate General in Istanbul.

Among the victims, two are women. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Migration Agency have provided the necessary consular, legal, and organizational assistance to repatriate the bodies of the deceased to Uzbekistan. Some of the affected individuals have completed their treatment and have been discharged from the hospital, while others are still undergoing medical care.

Earlier, on January 17, three Uzbek citizens (all men) tragically died in Turkey after consuming counterfeit alcohol. By January 18, the total death toll of Uzbeks due to alcohol poisoning had reached 17. In connection with the incident, two Turkmen citizens were arrested in Istanbul for allegedly producing and distributing counterfeit alcoholic beverages.