ISTANBUL, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- The death toll from bootleg alcohol in Istanbul has risen to 19 in the past two days, up from 11 reported on Tuesday, with 43 people still hospitalized as of Wednesday, according to Turkish broadcaster NTV.

A total of 65 people have sought medical treatment for suspected alcohol poisoning, NTV added.

Istanbul Governor Davut Gul announced on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, that authorities had shut down 63 businesses suspected of selling illicit alcohol, revoking their licenses. Gul added that officials are working to identify and prosecute those responsible for the fatalities.

The Istanbul governor's office reported on Tuesday that 48 people died from alcohol poisoning in 2024. In response, the city has pledged to implement stricter measures to combat the sale and consumption of illegal or counterfeit alcohol. Enditem

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