NICARAGUA: 35 dead from illicit alcohol

By just-drinks.com editorial team | 12 September 2006

Around 35 people have died in Nicaragua from drinking illicit alcohol.

Health officials have warned that the death toll is expected to rise, with almost 600 others falling ill in the country's worst health crisis in recent times.

Police in the country have already arrested six people in Nicaragua who are accused of distributing an illegal sugarcane drink laced with methanol. The alcohol is more commonly used in industrial antifreeze.

The Nicaraguan government has subsequently prohibited the distribution of distilled alcohol with the exception of liquor sealed with a government health inspection sticker.

Among those suffering from the side effects, many are suffering from headaches, dizziness, nausea and vomiting. Many will be left permanently blind, according to health officials in the country.

Sectors: Spirits