For the period from January to September 2006 about 17.000 people died from bootleg alcohol poisoning, according to the official statement of State Duma Speaker Boris Gryzlov.

Alcohol poisoning cases are regularly reported in regions throughout Russia. Bootleg alcohol poisoning claims thousands of lives in Russia every year and the year of 2006 is no exception.

After a number of cases in which vodka bottles contained detergents and other hazardousl chemicals Russia’s consumer rights watchdog launched investigations into cases of mass alcohol poisoning.

Boris Gryzlov spoke for a state monopoly on alcohol sale. “It’s time to raise the issue of a state monopoly on alcohol sales,” he said.

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