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🔴 Breaking ❓ Unknown

Continued Alcohol Poisoning in Iran; Commander of NAJA: 'Not Serial'

Jun 21, 2026 June 21, 2026 2 min read 📰 VOA Persian
📋 Key Takeaway

Alcohol poisoning continues to be a serious issue in Iran, with over 32 reported deaths in the past month from counterfeit alcohol. The Commander of the Law Enforcement Force denies that the poisonings are part of a serial incident, while experts attribute the crisis to the government's prohibition policies that push citizens towards dangerous homemade alternatives. This situation highlights the ongoing public health crisis and the implications of strict alcohol regulations in Iran.

🔍 Quick Context Guide
💡 Bottom Line: The Iranian government's handling of alcohol-related issues continues to endanger public health.

👥 Key Players

Ahmadreza Radan (احمدرضا رادان) ACTOR
Commander of NAJA
"'the police do not confirm this issue.'"
Ashraf Mazini QUOTED
toxicologist
"it is not very easy to identify counterfeit alcohol"
Kazem Alamdari QUOTED
sociologist
"the cause of the production of poisonous alcohol... is 'undoubtedly the Islamic Republic'"
Dr. Mohammad Kazem Attari QUOTED
medical professional
"there are no post-production controls"

⚡ Actions

Commander of NAJA ARREST producers of counterfeit alcohol
"'producers of spoiled alcohol' in every city where alcohol poisonings have been reported"
Confidence: 90%
Ahmadreza Radan WARN alcohol consumers
"'they should know that there are dangers facing them.'"
Confidence: 90%
VOA Persian REPORT Iranian citizens affected by alcohol poisoning
"'more than 32 people' have died in the past month"
Confidence: 90%

📰 What Happened

Iran's alcohol poisonings continue; NAJA claims they are not serial despite multiple deaths.

  • Commander of NAJA arrest producers of counterfeit alcohol
  • Ahmadreza Radan warn alcohol consumers
  • VOA Persian report Iranian citizens affected by alcohol poisoning

💡 Why It Matters

🇮🇷 For Iran: Because the ongoing issue of alcohol poisoning reflects public health and safety concerns.
🌍 Regional: Because it highlights the consequences of strict alcohol regulations in Iran.
🌐 International: Because it raises questions about human rights and governance in Iran.

📚 Background

The Iranian government's handling of alcohol-related issues continues to endanger public health.

📝 Key Evidence

"'more than 32 people' have died in the past month"
→ This proves the severity of the alcohol poisoning crisis in Iran.
"'they should know that there are dangers facing them.'"
→ This highlights the risks associated with consuming counterfeit alcohol.
📡 Source: STATE MEDIA
📊 Confidence: 80%
The source is affiliated with the Iranian state, which may influence its reporting.

While reports indicate that alcohol poisoning continues in various regions of Iran, the Commander of the Law Enforcement Force claimed that these poisonings are 'not serial' and that producers of counterfeit alcohol have been arrested wherever poisoning has been reported. Ahmadreza Radan, the Commander of the Islamic Republic's Law Enforcement Force (NAJA), stated on Sunday, July 2, to the Tasnim news agency affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps that the poisonings from counterfeit alcohol in Iran 'are by no means serial' and 'the police do not confirm this issue.' He divided the issue of alcohol poisoning into two parts: consumers of alcohol and producers of these alcohols, warning consumers that 'they should know that there are dangers facing them.' Radan also mentioned the identification and arrest of 'producers of spoiled alcohol' in every city where alcohol poisonings have been reported, stating that 'more than 32 people' have died in the past month. In recent days, at least seven people in Sardasht, two in Qazvin, two in Baharestan, three in Mazandaran, six in Robat Karim, and twelve in Karaj have died after consuming 'poisonous counterfeit alcohol.' A tsunami of poisoning due to the consumption of toxic alcohol began on June 14 from Karaj and reached the capital on July 6 after spreading to large areas of Iran. In addition to the deaths of several citizens, others have suffered brain death and severe decreases in consciousness, some have required dialysis, and several have gone blind. Ashraf Mazini, a toxicologist, told Voice of America that it is not very easy to identify counterfeit alcohol, especially when ethanol and methanol are mixed in these types of drinks. Kazem Alamdari, a sociologist, also stated in an interview with Voice of America that the cause of the production of poisonous alcohol and the deaths of citizens from consuming it is 'undoubtedly the Islamic Republic,' as the prohibition of standard alcoholic beverages has led people to turn to counterfeit and homemade alcohol, which has created danger for the people. Dr. Mohammad Kazem Attari stated that due to the prohibition of alcoholic beverages in Iran, 'there are no post-production controls.'

🌐

Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →

Translation confidence: 90%

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