At least 25 people have died and several others have been hospitalized after consuming bootleg vodka suspected to contain methanol, according to reports. The mass poisoning occurred on September 26 in the town of Slantsy, located in Russia’s Leningrad region. Reports from Metro UK, Reuters, and Russian outlet Izvestia indicate the victims drank homemade vodka with an alcohol content of approximately 45% ABV (90 proof). Investigators found that the alcohol consumed by the victims contained methanol, a toxic chemical sometimes used in the production of illegal spirits.
“All of the deceased had elevated levels of methanol in their system,” Izvestia reported, confirming the cause of death.
Suspects Detained in Connection with Deaths
Authorities have arrested Nikolai Boytsov, 78, and Olga Stepanova, 60, in connection with the case. Investigators discovered empty glass bottles and plastic cans in Boytsov’s apartment, believed to have contained the bootleg alcohol.
Stepanova is accused of supplying the liquor to Boytsov, who allegedly sold bottles for around $1 each, according to Metro. Authorities also said Boytsov is suspected of poisoning his own wife, who is among the deceased.
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Since the initial arrests, eight additional suspects have been taken into custody for producing and distributing the methanol-laced vodka. One suspect has been preventively jailed for 30 days, the Slantsevsky City Court of the Leningrad Region announced, per Izvestia.
Large Quantities of Toxic Alcohol Seized
Authorities have seized over 1,000 liters (about 264 gallons) of the contaminated alcohol, raising concerns about further fatalities. Methanol is highly toxic, and even small amounts can be lethal.
According to Mount Sinai Hospital, as little as 2 tablespoons can be fatal for a child, while 2 to 8 ounces can kill an adult. Symptoms of methanol poisoning include difficulty breathing, dizziness, seizures, severe abdominal pain, blindness, and death.
Methanol is commonly found in household products such as windshield wiper fluid, antifreeze, and cleaners. Its colorless and odorless nature has made it a dangerous ingredient for bootleg alcohol manufacturers seeking to cut costs.
Safety Warnings for the Public
Health authorities urge anyone who suspects they have consumed methanol to seek immediate medical attention. The U.K. travel advisory also warns travelers to only buy alcohol from licensed shops or bars, avoid homemade drinks, and be cautious of unsealed bottles and cocktails.
Experts note that homemade alcohol distribution is on the rise in Russia, partly due to rising retail prices and regional restrictions on alcohol sales. These factors have sometimes resulted in deadly consequences.
Methanol Poisoning
Deadly methanol incidents are not new. In June 2023, at least 30 people died in western Russia after drinking homemade cider. Similarly, in Laos last year, at least five tourists, including an American, died from methanol poisoning.
This incident in Slantsy underscores the ongoing risks of bootleg alcohol in Russia and highlights the lethal consequences of methanol consumption.
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Zubair Amin is a Senior Journalist at NewsX with over seven years of experience in reporting and editorial work. He has written for leading national and international publications, including Foreign Policy Magazine, Al Jazeera, The Economic Times, The Indian Express, The Wire, Article 14, Mongabay, News9, among others. His primary focus is on international affairs, with a strong interest in US politics and policy. He also writes on West Asia, Indian polity, and constitutional issues. Zubair tweets at zubaiyr.amin
