Canadian authorities have warned citizens in Nigeria to exercise caution when consuming alc%hol following reports of de@ths and hospitalisations linked to suspected meth@nol-contaminated drinks in Ondo State.
In a safety notice issued on Tuesday, Canadian officials said, “Casualties have occurred in Nigeria due to the consumption of unregulated and adulterated alco%hol containing high levels of meth@nol. Buy alc%hol from reputable establishments and seek medical assistance if you begin to feel sick.”
The notice did not state the number of casualties. However, Nigerian health officials said last week that 48 people had d+ed while about 180 others were receiving treatment in Ondo State after consuming a locally brewed alc%holic beverage suspected to contain methanol. 
Meth@nol is a highly toxic substance that can cause multiple organ failure, breathing difficulties, blindness and brain d@mage. A survivor, 32-year-old Sola Adebayo, told TVC News from his hospital bed, “I took like two shots and I went out on Friday. On Saturday, I noticed that I could not see.”
Ondo State Commissioner for Health, Banji Ajaka, said the effects could occur rapidly, noting, “This thing happened rapidly. Once they consume it, depending on the quantity, the kidneys will pack up, the eyes will go, the brain will be damaged.”
Police said 15 people had been arrested in connection with the suspected t%xic drink, while locals reportedly suspected that a popular herbal alcoholic drink known as “Monkey Tail” was mixed with meth@nol.
The report noted that homemade alc%hol is common in some rural parts of Nigeria, where it is cheaper and less regulated. NAFDAC has also enforced a nationwide ban on alc%hol sold in sachets and small plastic containers.
