Kohima: Tuensang police confirmed methanol in bootleg liquor seized after nine people died from drinking suspected McDowell's rum. Deaths occurred in Tuensang town and Chendang Saddle over three days, starting September 12.
The Forensic Science Laboratory in Dimapur detected the toxin on September 24. However, the lab lacked the equipment to measure exactly how much poison was in the bottle. Forensic officials stated, "Quantitative estimation of methanol could not be carried out due to non-availability of the required instruments."
Officials sent samples to the Central Forensic Science Laboratory in Guwahati for a full workup. They need these results to see if the alcohol breached safety limits. Investigators are still tracking the supply chain, the source of the booze, and how it hit the streets. They plan to take further action once the final report arrives.
State police advised people to avoid any unlabelled or suspicious drinks. The Directorate of Health and Family Welfare released a new procedure on September 24 for all state hospitals to handle suspected poisoning cases.
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