Field assistants in Stockholm are warning young people about dangerous fake alcohol. They are focusing on the Slakhusområdet area where Halloween parties are happening.
Work supervisor Mostafa Al Husseiny leads the field team in Enskede-Årsta-Vantör district. His team spends much time talking to teenagers about drinking risks.
"We try to discuss the dangers of drinking, especially when you don't know what's in your drink," Al Husseiny said. "Young people often don't realize what the alcohol contains or what consequences might follow."
The team monitors Gullmarsplan transportation hub where some illegal alcohol sales occur. They cannot always tell if sellers offer real spirits or dangerous counterfeit versions.
"When we see something suspicious, we call police," Al Husseiny explained. "We cooperate well with authorities and Systembolaget, Sweden's state-run alcohol stores."
Systembolaget staff alert field assistants if they notice young people asking adults to buy alcohol for them.
Social media platforms like Snapchat and Instagram have become major sources for fake alcohol. Field assistants admit they struggle to monitor online sales effectively.
"Young people are usually very careful when discussing this topic," Al Husseiny noted. "Many obtain fake alcohol through social media channels."
The Halloween season brings increased concern as more young people attend parties. Fake alcohol often contains dangerous substances like methanol that can cause blindness or death.
This situation highlights the ongoing challenge of controlling illegal alcohol in Sweden, where strict alcohol laws create demand for black market alternatives.