Two Turkmen nationals accused of manufacturing and distributing counterfeit alcoholic beverages were arrested in Istanbul.

According to the latest information, 38 people in Istanbul were hospitalized for alcohol poisoning within the past 24 hours, 11 of whom have died. Among those seeking medical help, 26 were foreign nationals.

The police have launched a comprehensive investigation into the case. Two Turkmen citizens linked to the incident have been detained, and a criminal case has been initiated against them.

So far, six Uzbek citizens, including five men and one woman, have died due to the consumption of counterfeit alcohol.

Previously, it was reported that 17 people in the Kimyogarlar neighborhood of Samarkand city had died, presumably from consuming homemade alcohol. On January 13, the General Prosecutor's Office of Uzbekistan released an official statement confirming the death of five individuals based on preliminary findings.