25 Die from Methanol Poisoning in Russia’s Bootleg Vodka Crisis

At least 25 people have died in Russia’s Leningrad region after consuming bootleg vodka suspected of being laced with methanol. Authorities have arrested several individuals, including a nursery school teacher, as investigations continue into the distribution of the toxic alcohol. The incident underscores growing concerns over the dangers of illicit alcohol consumption, particularly as prices for legal spirits have surged.

The victims, many of whom are believed to be elderly, consumed vodka sold at an alarmingly low price of 90p per bottle. Authorities reported that forensic examinations revealed significantly elevated levels of methanol in the deceased individuals. The Russian Interior Ministry confirmed that more than 1,000 litres of counterfeit alcohol were seized during the investigation.

Arrests and Ongoing Investigation

Olga Stepanova, aged 60, has been arrested on suspicion of supplying the poisoned vodka to Nikolai Boytsov, aged 78, who then sold it to consumers. Boytsov is also implicated in the death of his own wife, who was among the deceased. As the investigation unfolds, police have detained eight additional suspects involved in the production and distribution of the hazardous alcohol.

Major General Irina Volk, a spokesperson for the Interior Ministry, confirmed a significant operation aimed at identifying those responsible for the distribution of the bootleg vodka. “According to experts’ conclusions, the cause of death of local residents was the deadly content of methanol alcohol in the blood,” she stated.

Health Risks Associated with Methanol

Methanol, unlike ethanol, the type of alcohol typically found in beverages, is highly toxic. Once ingested, it is metabolized into formaldehyde and then into formic acid, substances harmful to human health. Symptoms of methanol poisoning can appear within a 12 to 24-hour period, affecting multiple organs and often leading to permanent damage.

The rise in bootleg alcohol consumption in Russia can be attributed to the escalating prices of legal spirits, which have soared due to ongoing economic pressures. Reports indicate that illegal alcohol is particularly prevalent among pensioners, who may seek cheaper alternatives.

The dangers of consuming counterfeit alcohol were highlighted earlier in November 2024, when a mass poisoning incident in Laos resulted in the deaths of six tourists from various countries, including the United Kingdom and Australia. Such tragedies serve as a grim reminder of the potential consequences of consuming unregulated alcoholic beverages.

As the situation develops, authorities remain vigilant in their efforts to combat the illegal alcohol trade and prevent further tragedies. The outbreak of methanol poisoning in the Leningrad region is a stark reminder of the risks associated with consuming unverified alcohol, prompting calls for stricter enforcement and public education on the dangers of bootleg spirits.