14 held over 'alcohol poisoning' in Istanbul

ISTANBUL

Turkish police arrested 14 people late Saturday after more than a dozen people were killed in suspected alcohol poisoning cases in Istanbul over the last two weeks.

Since Oct. 18, over 80 people reported to hospitals for suspected alcohol poisoning. Eighteen among them died while 15 others are under treatment in intensive care units, health and police officials said.

Earlier in the day, Istanbul police detained 21 suspects for manufacturing and selling illegal alcohol products.

They were sent to court on charges of "causing dead and injury of more than one with eventual intent". Seven of them were released on judicial control.

The police also warned people against consuming bootleg liquor.