Toxic alcohol case: Several arrested over methanol use in drinks

Jordan's Public Security Directorate (PSD) announced that investigations into a recent wave of methanol poisoning cases have confirmed the involvement of a group of individuals in producing toxic alcoholic beverages using industrial methanol.

Authorities said the death toll has risen to nine, with 27 others injured, across the governorates of Amman, Zarqa, and Balqa. The victims suffered varying degrees of poisoning after consuming the contaminated alcohol.

Read more: Death toll from tainted alcohol rises to 9 in Jordan

According to the PSD spokesperson, the suspects had purchased methyl alcohol (methanol) and used it to manufacture illicit alcoholic drinks. The main facility involved has been raided, and all individuals responsible, including the employee who prepared the toxic mixtures, have been arrested. That employee had obtained the methanol from a supplier who, in turn, admitted to purchasing it from a warehouse, also raided and placed under police control.

Large quantities of alcohol produced by the factory have been seized from the market during ongoing operations conducted by joint teams from the PSD and the Jordan Food and Drug Administration (JFDA).

Authorities confirmed that investigations are still underway and that the case will be referred to the judiciary once complete.

Read more: Authorities identify source of toxic alcohol that killed seven in Zarqa