Police have arrested six people suspected of selling fake alcohol in Stockholm. Several youths ended up in hospital after drinking the poisoned liquor during an October weekend. The prosecutor is now investigating a possible gang behind the sales.
During a weekend in October last year, at least nine young people in Stockholm suffered poisoning symptoms after consuming suspected fake alcohol. They had bought the liquor from a so-called vodkabil, contacted via Snapchat. Tests showed the spirit contained isopropanol, a substance typically used as a solvent, cleaning agent, and disinfectant.
The symptoms led the affected individuals to seek medical care at various locations in the city. Earlier in the autumn, five people were arrested on suspicion of selling the alcohol through the vodkabil. On Tuesday, police conducted another raid in Stockholm, resulting in the arrest of six more individuals.
"Six people were arrested today. They are suspected among other things of illegal sale of alcohol, gross offense," says prosecutor Suzanne El Khayat Ali, who is leading the investigation. Regarding whether it involves an organized gang, she responds: "We are investigating that right now".
The investigation focuses on the illegal alcohol trade and its health risks, especially for young consumers. Police emphasize the importance of warning against unregulated sales channels like social media.
