The death toll from drinking counterfeit alcohol has risen to 54 in Ankara, with 40 others at intensive care units of hospitals in the Turkish capital, CNN Turk reports.

In early February, Ankara Governor Vasip Sahin had announced that 33 cases of counterfeit alcohol-related deaths had been recorded in the Turkish capital.

The Ankara Chief Prosecutor's Office continues its investigation into the deaths and sale of counterfeit alcohol. Additional toxicological findings from the institute of forensic medicine have been included in the case.

In total, 28 people were detained to date in the framework of the investigation into this case, but 25 of whom were released under judicial supervision.