25 Dead After Drinking Poison Vodka, Cops Bust Killer Booze Racket, 1,000 Litres Seized

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.

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.