Morung Express News
Dimapur | September 25
In another development, the Tuensang police have confirmed the detection of methanol in the illicit alcohol seized in Tuensang following the deaths linked to consumption of spurious IMFL. Nine people died after consuming suspected illicit McDowell’s rum in Tuensang town and Chendang Saddle over a period of 3 days with the first death officially reported on September 12.
A press release from the Tuensang police, forwarded by the state police chief on September 25, said that the confirmation came from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), Dimapur, on September 24.
The laboratory results came with a catch. While it detected the presence of methanol (methyl alcohol) in the sampled exhibits, it could not determine how much. The release, citing the FSL, said, “Quantitative estimation of methanol could not be carried out due to non-availability of the required instruments.”
It added, “It is important to clarify that qualitative detection of methanol, by itself, does not establish the concentration present or whether it exceeds the applicable permissible limit. Trace quantities of methanol may be permissible under applicable food-safety standards depending on the category of alcoholic beverage. Therefore, quantitative estimation is essential for determining the actual methanol concentration and assessing compliance with the applicable standard.”
It added that samples have already been sent to the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL), Guwahati, for “detailed quantitative analysis” and the result pending.
While stating that investigation was continuing on all relevant aspects, including the source, supply chain and distribution of the suspected alcoholic beverages, it said, “Further action will be taken on the basis of the complete forensic and investigative findings.”
Pending the outcome of the probe, the department advised residents against consuming any unidentified, unlabelled or suspected illicit alcoholic beverage.
The FSL, Dimapur, report coincided with the Directorate of Health and Family Welfare issuing a Standard Operating Procedure, on September 24, to all state-run health facilities for managing suspected adulterated alcohol poisoning cases.
