Five Arrested in Stockholm Amid Surge of Dangerous Alcohol Sales to Youth via Snapchat
Five young people arrested in Stockholm following hospitalizations of teens poisoned by counterfeit alcohol sold via Snapchat, highlighting an urban trend of dangerous online alcohol sales.
- • Five young individuals arrested for illegal alcohol sales and causing bodily harm in Stockholm.
- • Ten youths hospitalized due to isopropanol poisoning after consuming counterfeit alcohol labeled as Smirnoff.
- • Alcohol was sold via Snapchat 'bucket accounts' known as 'vodka car' accounts, a persistent urban phenomenon.
- • Authorities are investigating the source and methods of sales, examining seized phones and conducting interviews.
Key details
Authorities in Stockholm have arrested five young individuals in connection with a disturbing wave of illegal alcohol sales aimed at youths through Snapchat "bucket accounts," leading to severe poisoning incidents. Over the past weekend, ten teenagers required hospital treatment after consuming counterfeit alcohol containing isopropanol, a toxic substance commonly used as a disinfectant, found in the drinks. Four teenage girls from Vallentuna were among the first hospitalized, with two falling unconscious. Authorities suspect the alcohol was distributed under the false branding of Smirnoff and sold via Snapchat contacts known colloquially as "vodka car" or "vodkabilen" accounts.
Police spokesperson Mats Eriksson disclosed that investigations are ongoing to determine whether the alcohol was smuggled or homemade, aided by examination of seized mobile phones and planned interviews of the suspects. Charges against the five arrested, including one minor, range from illegal possession and sales of alcohol to causing bodily harm. The police have noted that these social media sales methods are a growing urban problem but are difficult to track comprehensively as accounts frequently reappear after shutdown.
Further underscoring the issue, a 2022 report by the Swedish Council for Information on Alcohol and Other Drugs (CAN) revealed that 16% of young people aged 16 to 18 had bought alcohol through Snapchat "bucket accounts," with boys (19%) slightly more represented than girls (15%). Sara Kristensson of CAN highlighted this as a chiefly urban phenomenon, amplified by persistent usage of social media platforms to circumvent legal restrictions.
Authorities urge parents to communicate the dangers of underage drinking and specifically caution against purchasing alcohol from unknown sources given the health risks including unconsciousness and even death from isopropanol poisoning. The police continue to investigate the full scope of the network facilitating these sales and have intensified efforts to disrupt this illicit trade, acknowledging the challenge social media presents in monitoring such activities.