At least 19 peopel have died in Russia‘s Samara region after consuming counterfeit alcohol containing dangerous levels of methanol, according to regional authorities. dozens more have sought medical treatment following the poisonings,which began earlier this week.
This latest incident underscores a persistent and deadly problem in Russia and other countries: the widespread availability of cheap, illegally produced alcohol frequently enough containing toxic substitutes. While Russia has increased penalties for alcohol-related offenses in recent years, the economic pressures and limited oversight in some regions continue to fuel a dangerous black market, especially impacting vulnerable populations. Investigations are underway to identify the source of the tainted “Mister Cider” drink and hold those responsible accountable.
The Investigative Committee of Russia for the Samara Region is currently investigating the production facility where the alcohol-containing drink was made, releasing images of the site on June 5, 2023. The drink, known as “Mister Cider,” is believed to be the source of the poisonings.
Similar tragedies have occurred in recent years. In 2016, over 60 people died in Irkutsk, Siberia, after consuming bath oil containing methanol. More recently, in May 2023, more than 20 people died in India after drinking tainted liquor, leading to nine arrests. In January 2023, 23 people died in Turkey over 48 hours from tainted alcohol, and in November 2023, six tourists in Laos died from suspected methanol poisoning.
These incidents highlight the ongoing struggle to combat the production and sale of illicit alcohol, which often targets those with limited financial resources and inadequate access to regulated beverages. Authorities continue to warn the public against purchasing alcohol from unverified sources.
