The number of victims of surrogate alcohol is growing in the Leningrad region. What you need to know

The number of fatal poisoning by alcohol substitute with methyl alcohol in the Leningrad region has increased to 45. More than 10 people were detained, a company involved in the distribution of low-quality alcohol was identified, and an investigation is underway. What is known about this case is in the Izvestia material.

Mass alcohol poisoning

• On September 26, in the Slantsevsky district of the Leningrad region, several people were poisoned by surrogate alcohol: then seven died, and three more had to be hospitalized. On September 27, it became known about six more fatal poisoning with methyl alcohol in the neighboring Volosovsky district. By October 3, the total number of victims had risen to 45. The victims lived or were registered in six districts of the Leningrad region.

• On September 26, the first suspects were detained — 79-year-old Nikolai Boytsov, a resident of the village of Gostitsy, and Olga Stepanova, a 60-year-old resident of the Slantsevsky district. According to the preliminary version, Stepanova supplied Boytsov with alcoholic raw materials, which he used for artisanal production of alcohol for sale. Earlier, Fighters had already been brought to administrative responsibility for alcohol trafficking. Another suspect was also detained, a 54—year-old resident of the city of Slantsy, who had containers with products containing alcohol found in his living quarters.

• 14 people were detained as part of the investigation. A criminal case has been opened into the incident under Part 3 of Article 109 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation ("Causing death by negligence to two or more persons"). 10 defendants in the case have been arrested.

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• The company engaged in the sale of surrogate alcohol is located in the village of Trubnikov Bor, Tosnensky district, Leningrad region. Investigative and operational actions are being carried out there. The police are trying to establish supply channels for counterfeit alcohol and identify those involved in the crime.

How to avoid buying surrogate alcohol

• First of all, you should purchase alcohol only in official stores and points of sale that have a state license. Any offers to buy alcohol in non-stationary locations represent an increased risk. It is necessary to pay attention to the packaging and labeling. Legal alcoholic products must have excise stamps, tightly sealed packaging, and clear information about the manufacturer, composition, and date of manufacture.

• Any signs of forgery, such as damaged seals, an indistinct seal, an unusual color or smell of liquid, should alert and become a reason to refuse to purchase. You should also avoid drinking alcohol prepared in an artisanal way. Even small portions of counterfeit alcohol may contain methanol or other toxic additives that cause severe poisoning and death.

• Excessively low cost of the finished drink can also be an indicator of illegal production. If in doubt, it is better to abandon the purchase and look for a reliable supplier. Be sure to control your own alcohol consumption, do not mix different types of alcohol, and do not trust home-made beverages.

• If signs of intoxication appear — sudden dizziness, nausea, abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, or blurred vision — you should immediately seek medical help and inform your doctor about the possible use of surrogate alcohol.

What is the danger of drinking alcohol?

• It is worth remembering that alcohol has a negative effect on the central nervous system, slowing down the brain, reducing attention, coordination of movements and the ability to make decisions. Regular alcohol consumption also negatively affects the functioning of the liver, which is responsible for the processing and elimination of toxins. Constant stress on the liver can cause, in particular, cirrhosis, which reduces the body's ability to neutralize harmful substances. In addition, alcohol has a devastating effect on the heart and blood vessels, causing high blood pressure, arrhythmias and increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.