Teens hospitalized after toxic alcohol incident in Sweden
Multiple Swedish teenagers were hospitalized after consuming toxic industrial alcohol. Police arrested five suspects for selling the dangerous substance. The incident raises concerns about illegal alcohol markets in Nordic countries.
Severely ill teenagers were hospitalized in Stockholm for two consecutive evenings. Police suspect they consumed toxic industrial alcohol known as 'fulsprit' in Swedish. This dangerous substance can cause extreme intoxication and even death, according to Sweden's Poison Information Center.
The victims, aged 13 to 15, were found Saturday night in Nacka and Tyresö suburbs outside Stockholm. Swedish authorities describe 'fulsprit' as illegally produced alcohol containing dangerous industrial-grade spirits.
Police spokesperson Ola Österling said in a statement, 'Information in at least one case indicates they purchased so-called fulsprit.'
Five individuals were arrested for selling the alcohol, including one minor. They face charges of serious illegal handling of spirits, serious illegal alcohol sales, and causing bodily harm.
Sweden's Minister for Health Care and Youth Affairs Elisabeth Lann called the incident 'terrible.' Sweden maintains strict alcohol regulations through its state-run Systembolaget stores, but illegal alcohol sales continue to pose risks.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenge of unregulated alcohol markets in Nordic countries despite strict government controls. Young people seeking cheaper alternatives sometimes turn to dangerous sources with potentially fatal consequences.