Istanbul: The number of Uzbek citizens who have died from counterfeit alcohol poisoning in Trkiye has reached 17, according to a statement issued by the Consulate General of Uzbekistan in Istanbul. The incident has raised significant concerns about the safety and regulation of alcohol in the region, APA reports.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, two citizens of Turkmenistan have been detained in connection with the case. Authorities discovered 50 liters of alcohol and counterfeit documents in their possession, suggesting a larger network involved in the distribution of tainted alcohol. The investigation is ongoing as officials work to uncover the full extent of the operation and prevent further casualties.