Authorities are pursuing two suspects connected to the production and distribution of a dangerous beverage branded as “Mr. Cider.” The information circulating through official channels points to two individuals: Anton Frolov, aged 36, and Ramil Aslanov, aged 27.
Investigators report that the contaminated product was purchased at retail outlets operated by IE “Huseinov.” The owner of the Tsypochka shop, located in Novokuibyshevsk within the Samara region, is identified as a key figure in the chain that led to multiple poisonings when customers consumed the cider.
In the course of a nationwide sweep, authorities have seized approximately 6,000 liters of allegedly illicit alcohol from retailers in the Dimitrovgrad area of the Ulyanovsk region. A preliminary assessment suggests that additional batches of the cider could still be circulating in the Nizhny Novgorod and Samara regions, as well as in Udmurtia.
Early reports confirm a mass poisoning incident in the Volga region linked to this cider. Current figures indicate a toll of about twenty fatalities and a number of injuries requiring hospitalization. Initial toxicology suggests the possibility of methanol contamination, a substance known to pose severe health risks even in small amounts.
Independent investigations indicate that the drink sold under the “Mr. Cider” brand is produced in the Samara region and subsequently bottled for retail. A local businessperson suspected of coordinating production has been detained. Officials have charged this individual with supplying services that fail to meet safety standards and with contributing to deaths or serious injuries through negligence. A formal judicial inquiry has been initiated to determine responsibility for the incident.
Health authorities have issued a directive to identify and remove all products bearing the “Mr. Cider” name from shelves across the country. In response, the leadership of the federal consumer protection agency has ordered comprehensive product recalls and heightened market surveillance to prevent further exposure. This action follows a pattern of safety enforcement seen in prior food and beverage safety cases and underscores the importance of rigorous compliance with labeling and production controls. [Source: Rospotrebnadzor]
Earlier updates note the discovery of a warehouse containing a batch of potentially dangerous beverages in the Nizhny Novgorod region. Local investigators are coordinating with national authorities to trace distribution networks and assess the scope of the risk to consumers. The situation remains under close watch as teams work to locate all affected products and prevent additional harm. [Source: Rospotrebnadzor]
Public health officials emphasize that safety standards for beverages must be maintained throughout the supply chain—from manufacturing facilities to retail outlets—to protect communities. Canadian and American readers are reminded to stay informed about product recalls that involve coded brand names or suspicious labeling and to report adverse reactions to health authorities promptly. Market regulators in North America routinely monitor similar risks and provide guidance to minimize exposure to dangerous substances in consumer drinks. [Source: Health Canada and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration]
As investigations continue, authorities advise the public to exercise caution with any alcoholic beverages that seem mislabelled, improperly packaged, or produced without verifiable documentation. Community members can expect regular updates as laboratories finalize toxicology results and as enforcement actions unfold. The incident underscores the critical need for stringent quality controls in beverage production and distribution, as well as the importance of rapid reporting mechanisms to protect public health. [Source: Rospotrebnadzor]