Dodgy booze that killed Melbourne teens in Laos found in Aussie liquor stores

Forensic research conducted by NDARC has found that illicit vodka is being sold at licensed retailers in Melbourne, often at a lower price than legitimate brands.

The bottles, which contain methanol and plastic contaminants, are sold to “unsuspecting customers,” said Dr. Michala Kowalski of NDARC.

“People have very little ability to distinguish between cheap and potentially contaminated products when looking between bottles on a store shelf,” Kowalski said.

“Ingestion of methanol in sufficient quantities can be toxic and lead to symptoms ranging from vomiting and abdominal pain to blindness, coma and death.”

Bianca’s father, Mark, told 9News he is “disgusted” by NDARC’s findings.

Mark had hoped that the illegal alcohol trade, which killed his daughter and her friend, would be a problem that would not reach Australian shores. He was wrong.

“[I’m] quite angry actually. I am angry that illegal alcohol is being served here in Melbourne,” Mark told 9News.

“It’s a shame to think that the methanol is being sold at retail here.

“It’s incredibly scary… we have a heavily regulated alcohol system and it should remain that way for a reason.”

Mark reiterated his concerns on Today this morning, saying he was “completely stunned and shocked”.

He said retailers must be held responsible and ensure they only buy alcohol from reputable producers.

Although methanol has no odor and is very difficult to detect, Mark says a device developed by the University of Adelaide that can detect the toxic substance in a person’s breath offers hope in reducing incidents of methanol-related harm.

The sheer size of Australia’s illicit alcohol market is untested.

However, it is believed to be worth at least $767 million annually, the equivalent of 14 million bottles of vodka, according to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).

Mark said Australians should exercise extreme caution when purchasing or consuming alcohol products that ‘seem too good to be true’.

“I would encourage everyone to remain vigilant about what they do when purchasing alcohol,” he added.

‘It’s absolutely not worth it. Be vigilant, check the bottles and make sure they look legitimate.”

It’s not just limited to bottle shops.

Kowalski said illicit alcohol is also being sold in pubs and nightclubs across Australia.

“We have also heard from law enforcement and liquor regulators in several states that these products are increasingly being sold, not only in bottle shops, but also in licensed locations such as pubs, nightclubs and pubs,” she said.

Victoria Police’s State Liquor Unit said it is currently investigating 80 licensed premises for the production and importation of illicit alcohol.

National alcohol and other drug hotline 1800 250 015