Several Swedish teenagers were hospitalized recently after drinking suspected illegal alcohol. Police report multiple incidents involving so-called 'fulsprit' or bad liquor. Young people have lost consciousness after consuming illegally imported alcohol purchased through Snapchat.
How easy is it to obtain illegal alcohol in Sweden? A reporter made contact with a liquor dealer through social media within minutes. The question "Do you want liquor?" appeared quickly, followed by a proposed meeting location and time the same hour.
Leo, an 18-year-old, explained the situation in a statement. "Illegal alcohol is the only option for many when you can't buy from Systembolaget," he said. Systembolaget is Sweden's government-operated alcohol retail monopoly. "A purchase is just one call away on social media. It's very easy."
Police conducted operations over the weekend that resulted in five arrests. All suspects were detained for selling alcohol to minors. Authorities released all five individuals the same evening.
The accessibility of illegal alcohol through social platforms presents a clear public health challenge. When teenagers can order potentially dangerous substances as easily as ordering pizza, the system designed to protect them appears to be failing.