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Rabat – According to converging media reports, thirteen people died today in Morocco’s northern city Ksar El Kebir after consuming adulterated alcoholic beverages.
An earlier EFE report stated that the adulterated alcohol allegedly caused the death of nine people and the intoxication of an additional two.
The Spanish press agency added that the Moroccan police arrested a 48-year-old man with a criminal record and his minor son in connection to the case.
The same source added that the local police officers seized 49 liters of adulterated alcohol during the arrest operation, indicating that the two suspects have allegedly illicitly manufactured the beverage and sold it in their store.
The two suspects are currently subject to a judicial investigation, by the prosecutor’s office, aiming to understand the link between alcohol consumption and the death of the nine people.
Given the restricted distribution and high prices of alcoholic beverages in the North African country, some Moroccans have resorted to the consumption of adulterated alcohol that is more accessible and cheaper.
Read Also: Alcohol Poisoning Kills Eight People in Northern Morocco
While alcohol consumption remains a social taboo, Morocco’s consumption of alcohol – particularly beer and wine – is seeing a 3-6% growth per year. In 2021, Morocco collected a total of MAD 810 million ($73 million) from import taxes on alcohol and wine, marking a 24% growth from predicted revenues, MAD 651 million ($59 million).
In 2014, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that Moroccans consume more than neighbors in the eastern Mediterranean region, adding that Moroccans drink an average of 0.9 liters of alcohol per year. The organization further noted that locals prefer beer over wine and other alcoholic beverages.
Despite the growing popularity of alcoholic drinks in Morocco, particularly among youth, many refrain from their consumption in public and even protest publicized events that serve alcohol such as Oktoberfest.
In August, thousands of Moroccans signed a petition calling for the cancellation of the German beer festival, Oktoberfest, stating that the event is in conflict with Moroccan laws and customs as well as guidelines of Islamic law.
