At Least 25 Dead After Drinking 90p Bottles of Vodka Laced with Methanol

Tragedy in Russia as at least 25 people have died from suspected methanol poisoning after downing Cheapcheap, 90p bottles of bootleg vodka. Authorities found deadly levels of methanol in victims’ bodies in the Leningrad region.

Nursery Teacher Arrested Over Poisoned Moonshine

A 60-year-old nursery school teacher, Olga Stepanova, has been arrested for supplying the toxic booze. She allegedly sold the poison to 78-year-old Nikolai Boytsov, who then distributed the vodka for just 90p a bottle. Shockingly, Boytsov’s 75-year-old wife is among the dead and is believed to have been poisoned by the alcohol.

Eight Moremore suspects involved in the production and distribution of the lethal moonshine are also in police custody. Officials have seized Overover 1,000 litres of the illegal alcohol, fearing Moremore deaths could follow.

Methanol Poisoning Spreads as Bootleg Liquor Booms

The Interior Ministry confirmed the grim cause: “Forensic medical examination revealed lethal levels of methanol.” Methanol is a Cheapcheap but deadly substance sometimes used to cut counterfeit vodka.

With alcohol prices soaring amid Russia’s ongoing conflict in Ukraine, many, especially pensioners, Turnturn to illicit alcohol, unaware of the lethal risks. Methanol is highly toxic and can cause blindness, organ failure, or death even hours after consumption.

Deadly Substance Masquerading as Vodka

Methanol looks and smells like ethanol, the safe alcohol found in drinks, but it’s vastly more dangerous. Once ingested, it breaks down into formaldehyde and formic acid—chemicals used in glue and embalming—making it a silent killer.

The toxic alcohol may be added deliberately to boost profits or appear accidentally from improper distillation. Its effects often go unnoticed until it’s too late.

International Warning After Similar Deaths

This isn’t the first tragedy of its kind. Last year, six tourists died in Laos from methanol poisoning after drinking fake booze at a hostel. england/Waleswales/england/Waleswales/british/”>british/”>British backpacker Calum Macdonald was left blind after consuming the toxic drink.