19th person dies of alcohol poisoning in Istanbul

ISTANBUL

A 19th person has died in Istanbul of suspected alcohol poisoning, Turkish health and police officials said Sunday.

Since Oct. 18, more than 90 people have reported to hospitals for suspected alcohol poisoning, out of which 19 people have died. Fifteen others were hospitalized in intensive care units, officials at Istanbul’s provincial Directorate of Health said.

Health experts have been investigating the samples from patients to find out the exact causes of the poisoning, officials said.

Police had detained 21 people Saturday, suspected of 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 while 14 others were arrested, said police.