This is a phenomenon that is unfortunately not uncommon in this largest transcontinental state on Earth. Each year 35,000 to 42,000 people die as a result of adulterated alcohol poisoning.
The drama occurred in the Orenburg region in southern Russia. The investigators noted the presence of methanol in the trafficked alcohol, a particularly toxic product at the origin of the tragedy.
The substance found in victims is, according to Russian authorities, three to five times greater than the lethal dose.
For now, three suspects including a producer of adulterated alcohol and two sellers have been arrested. The Russian Investigative Committee also announced the seizure of more than 1,200 questionable bottles during the search of a warehouse.
A case far from isolated
This event is not isolated. Indeed, fatal accidents following the consumption of alcohol from the black market are common in Russia.
Buying alcohol in stores has become inaccessible for victims, often from the most disadvantaged social categories. In addition, the consumption of alcoholic beverages such as artisanal brandies or ethanol are commonplace.
After the tragedy of 2016, where some sixty people were killed in Siberia after ingesting counterfeit alcohol that also contained methanol, the Russian authorities had yet toughened the legislation. Despite everything, the problem persists and causes thousands of deaths a year.
