Illegal alcohol kills at least 23 in eastern Ukraine

At least 23 people have died in rural regions of eastern Ukraine after drinking toxic illicit alcohol, according to reports.

At least 23 people have died in rural regions of eastern Ukraine after consuming illegal alcohol

Since Friday, a total of 18 people have died after drinking lethal vodka in various parts of the eastern city of Kharkiv, while 53 people have been treated for alcohol poisoning from drinking the bootleg booze.

A further five were killed after drinking ‘illicit brandy’ in the neighbouring Donetsk region, bringing the death toll to 23.

According to a report by ABC, police found back-street stills in the Kharkiv region which they believed were used to produce the alcohol illegally using low-grade ingredients.

Officials have detained three grocery store owners, who will face up to 10 years in jail if they are found guilty.