Inspectors seize thousands of bottles of rum with 50 percent methanol

The Czech food inspection authority seized 7,600 bottles of methanol-contaminated rum in a warehouse in Zlín, in the east of the country, after getting tipped off by an anonymous source, a spokesman for the agency said on Tuesday. He said the methanol-laced alcohol, which was ready for distribution, could have killed thousands of people. The deadly beverages were made by the Drak spirits producer whose manager said he did not understand how it was possible.

The methanol crisis, which broke out last month, has claimed the lives of 28 people who died after drinking contaminated bootleg liquor. The police have charged over 50 people in connection with the case.

Author: Jan Richter