Morocco: 19 people died after consuming toxic alcohol

At least 19 people died and dozens others are in intensive care after consuming toxic alcohol from a roadside kiosk in northern Morocco, local media reported on Wednesday.

“19 people died and 30 were taken to hospital in critical condition on Wednesday,” a local health ministry official told reporters.

Police arrested a 48-year-old suspect because the victims allegedly consumed toxic alcohol in his store, where investigators later found nearly 50 liters of liquid, according to media reports.

Moroccan law prohibits the sale of alcohol to Muslims, but it is easily found in bars, restaurants and stores that discreetly offer it for sale behind opaque windows or thick curtains.