Homemade Liquor Mixed with Rodent Poison Claims 12 Lives, Leaves 3 in Critical State

A devastating incident unfolded over the weekend in Indonesia’s West Java province, where at least 12 people tragically lost their lives, and three others now cling to life in critical condition. The cause of this calamity: a deadly concoction of homemade liquor mixed with rodent poison.

Local authorities reported on Tuesday that a married couple, taken into custody on Monday, stands accused of producing and distributing this fatal brew, known locally as “Oplosan,” within the Subang district.

Ariek Indra Sentanu, the local police chief, disclosed that the couple combined alcohol with lanarkite, a lead sulfate mineral, and copper phosphide, a substance commonly used as rodent poison. The result was a sinister dark grey liquid, which they reportedly sold for a mere dollar per liter.

As investigations continue, Mr. Sentanu stated, “They admitted that they had overdone the dosage of the mixture.”

Upon learning that some of their customers had perished or fallen seriously ill after consuming the tainted liquor on Sunday night, the couple attempted to flee but were apprehended by the police.

“Oplosan” is a well-known and affordable alcoholic beverage in Indonesia, particularly among those who cannot afford licensed liquor. However, the danger of consuming this concoction lies in its potential contamination with toxic substances like methanol, formalin, or pesticides.

The World Health Organization reports that hundreds of people in Indonesia die annually due to alcohol poisoning resulting from the consumption of contaminated liquor. This recent tragedy echoes a similar incident in April 2018 when approximately 100 people lost their lives, and many more were hospitalized in Jakarta and neighboring areas after consuming a bootleg liquor product.