At least 25 people have tragically lost their lives in Russia after consuming bootleg vodka laced with methanol. The incident occurred in Slantsy, located in the Leningrad region, where a group of individuals experienced a devastating “mass poisoning” on September 26th, after drinking homemade vodka with a high alcohol by volume (ABV) content of 45%.
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Reports from Metro UK, Reuters, and Russian news outlet Izvestia revealed that all the victims ingested illicitly sold alcohol products containing methanol. It was confirmed that all the deceased individuals had elevated levels of methanol in their bodies. Two suspects, Nikolai Boytsov, 78, and Olga Stepanova, 60, were apprehended during the investigation into these fatalities. Law enforcement discovered empty glass bottles and plastic containers in Boytsov’s residence, linking him to the distribution of the tainted alcohol.
Boytsov stands accused of also poisoning his wife, one of the deceased victims, with the contaminated alcohol. Following these arrests, an additional eight suspects have been taken into custody for their involvement in the production and circulation of the lethal vodka. Concerns loom over the potential for more fatalities due to the large quantity of illicit alcohol seized during the probe, totalling over 1,000 liters.
Methanol poses a severe health risk, with as little as two tablespoons being lethal for a child and a few ounces proving fatal for an adult, according to Mount Sinai hospital. Consumption of methanol can lead to various symptoms such as breathing difficulties, vision impairment, dizziness, seizures, intense abdominal pain, and ultimately, death. The colourless and odourless nature of methanol has made it a cost-effective but perilous ingredient used by bootleggers to adulterate their alcohol concoctions.
It is crucial for anyone who suspects they have consumed methanol to seek urgent medical attention. In light of this tragic event, authorities in the UK advise the public to purchase drinks exclusively from reputable establishments and licensed vendors, avoid homemade or unsealed bottled alcohol, and exercise caution when offered cocktails of uncertain origin. Regrettably, incidents involving homemade alcohol have led to fatal consequences in Russia, reflecting a trend of rising retail alcohol prices and regional restrictions impacting the accessibility of legitimate alcohol.
This appalling incident is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by illicit alcohol production and consumption. The loss of 25 lives in this preventable tragedy serves as a sombre warning about the lethal consequences of consuming bootleg alcohol contaminated with methanol. As investigations continue and additional suspects are brought to justice, the focus remains on preventing further harm and promoting awareness of the risks associated with illicit alcohol trade.