Nineteen people have tragically died, and eight others are currently hospitalized, after consuming counterfeit alcohol in Russia`s Leningrad Region. This article delves into the details of the incident, including insights from a Gostitsy village resident who personally knew two of the deceased.
The Leningrad Region has been struck by tragedy, as nineteen individuals have succumbed to poisoning after consuming illicit alcohol. Eight more people are currently receiving medical care in hospital, suffering from severe intoxication. According to Irina Volk, an official representative of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs, the fatalities occurred due to a 79-year-old resident of Gostitsy village who was reportedly selling diluted spirits to his neighbors.
Investigation Uncovers Details
Andrey Karlov, a correspondent who has investigated the incident, provided further insights into the unfolding events:
«Preliminary findings indicate that a 79-year-old man from Gostitsy village was distributing surrogate alcohol to his fellow villagers. All the victims were adults, with ages ranging from 42 to elderly pensioners. Gostitsy village itself is situated near Slantsy, a significant district center close to the Estonian border. It`s reasonable to assume that the local community`s daily life is closely interconnected with Slantsy. Our observations suggest that the residents were generally well-integrated and active in their community, and their lifestyles did not suggest any signs of marginalization. The majority were pensioners, living with families and relatives, and leading typical rural lives.»
«Regarding the arrests, the 79-year-old pensioner from Gostitsy and his 70-year-old acquaintance, identified as a speech therapist at a local kindergarten, have been detained. It is suspected that the woman may have supplied the man with the substances or alcohol which he then diluted. A search of the man`s home uncovered numerous canisters, various empty containers used for bottling, and previously emptied bottles of vodka and less expensive whiskey. Law enforcement videos reportedly show these items stored in highly unsanitary conditions, accumulated in dust within an attic. A canister was even found inside a bag filled with other bottles.»
«This contraband alcohol was sold for a mere 150 rubles per bottle. For context, the official minimum retail price for a 0.5-liter bottle of vodka in Russia this year is 349 rubles, highlighting the significant price difference that likely attracted buyers.»
A Local Resident`s Account
A resident of Gostitsy village, who knew two of the deceased personally, shared her perspective, stating that villagers had been purchasing the surrogate alcohol from the pensioner for many years:
Q: Why did people buy from him?
A: They were pensioners looking to save money. He’d been selling for so many years, and there were never any incidents like this before.
Q: Was he well-known in the area? Did everyone know he was selling?
A: Yes, everyone knew he had been doing this for many years.
Q: Was he diluting something at any time of day or night?
A: Yes, it was cheaper than in the store, that`s why people went there.
Q: So, everything was fine, and they trusted him, it seems?
A: Yes, someone must have supplied him with poor-quality stuff. From my perspective, even if it was quality, this kind of operation should have been shut down ages ago. Everyone around knew about it.
Q: And were local law enforcement, the police, also aware?
A: Now they’ve suddenly become active, running around.
Q: You don`t know any of the victims personally?
A: I knew two. They drank, of course, but they also tended their gardens and drove to their dachas when needed.
Q: So, they were normal people living their lives?
A: Yes, they worked and drank when they felt like it.
The two individuals detained in connection with the surrogate alcohol poisoning in the Leningrad Region could face imprisonment for up to four years, as confirmed by the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
