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Türkiye has intensified its crackdown on fake and illegal alcohol production as the New Year approaches, with security forces seizing nearly 96,000 liters of illicit products during coordinated operations across 17 provinces in the past two weeks.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced that gendarmerie units carried out large scale operations targeting counterfeit alcohol production and distribution networks, citing growing public health risks linked to illegal alcohol consumption.
According to official figures, authorities confiscated 27,886 liters of fake or smuggled alcoholic beverages and 67,994 liters of ethyl alcohol.
The combined total exceeds 95,000 liters. Security forces also uncovered six illegal alcohol production facilities during the operations.
A total of 66 suspects now face legal action, though officials have not disclosed details about the charges or judicial measures involved.
The Interior Ministry said the operations took place in the following provinces:
Gendarmerie units conducted the operations under the coordination of chief public prosecutors and the Gendarmerie Anti Smuggling and Organized Crime Department. Provincial gendarmerie commands led enforcement on the ground.
Officials said the operations aimed to prevent activities that threaten public safety and health through illegal alcohol production and distribution.
Minister Yerlikaya said enforcement efforts against fake alcohol production continue across all 81 provinces without interruption.
He urged the public to report suspicious activity through the emergency hotline.
“We are continuing our operations against fake alcohol production across all 81 provinces without pause. Please report suspicious situations to our 112 Emergency Call Center. We will take the necessary action,” Yerlikaya said.
Authorities traditionally increase inspections and enforcement during the final weeks of the year, when demand for alcohol rises and cases of counterfeit production tend to increase.
The Interior Ministry has repeatedly warned that fake alcohol poses serious health risks, including poisoning and death, due to the use of unsafe substances such as industrial ethyl alcohol.
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