Two people were arrested this Thursday (8) in Rio Claro, in the interior of São Paulo, in a Civil Police operation to combat counterfeiting of alcoholic beverages.
Called Operation Poison Source, the action carried out three search and seizure warrants at a wine cellar and a place where a clandestine counterfeit alcoholic beverage industry operated in Rio Claro.
During these searches, a 29-year-old man and a 26-year-old woman were arrested for crimes against public health and consumer relations and against material and industrial property. According to investigators, both were responsible for the clandestine manufacture of drinks.
The operation seized two vehicles and a motorcycle used in deliveries, as well as miscellaneous goods and products of no origin, which were received as a form of payment in the sale of counterfeit drinks. R$72,000 in cash were also seized, as well as inputs and materials used in counterfeits.
Methanol
The police have intensified actions to combat counterfeiting of alcoholic beverages since the first cases of methanol contamination. According to data from the Ministry of Health up to December 5, at least 22 people died last year after drinking adulterated drinks with confirmed methanol contamination.
In the state of São Paulo alone, according to data from the state secretariat, 51 cases of methanol contamination were confirmed, with 11 deaths. Currently, four deaths remain under investigation: one case in Guariba, another in São José dos Campos and two cases in Cajamar.
The secretariat was also investigating the case of a 15 year old teenager who died after drinking alcohol at the end of last year. However, methanol contamination was ruled out by the ministry, which did not provide further details about the cause of death.
THE methanol is a liquid substanceflammable and colorless. It is widely used as a solvent in the manufacture of fuels, plastics, paints and medicines. It has great potential for poisoning, and when consumed it can lead to death even in small doses.
