The factory that was the alleged source of the Laos methanol poisonings which killed six tourists including a Briton last month has been shut down.
Among the holidaymakers who died after consuming drinks laced with methanol in the party town of Vang Vieng were 28-year-old Simone White from Orpington, south-east London.
Australian broadcaster ABC on Sunday reported a small factory located near Vientiane, which reportedly manufactures whisky and vodka, had been ordered to shut down until it improved its production process.
The owner of the factory has reportedly been arrested by local authorities.
Two Australian nationals, Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles, both 19, also lost their lives after consuming the bootleg alcohol, alleged to have been served at the Nana Backpacker Hostel, alongside an American man and two Danish women, aged 19 and 20.
Police in Laos have detained several people in connection with the deaths, but have released few details about the case.
Several governments, including the US and Australia, have since issued formal travel advice warning tourists of the risks of consuming potentially laced drinks in the landlocked popular holiday destination.
The Australian government in its Smartraveller advice for Laos earlier revealed the country had banned the sale and consumption of Tiger Vodka and Tiger Whisky after the incident.
“Laos authorities have issued an order prohibiting the sale and consumption of Tiger Vodka and Tiger Whisky due to their concerns about these products being a health risk,” the advice said.
“Australians should avoid consuming these products due to these serious safety concerns.
“Several foreign nationals, including Australians, have been victims in November 2024 of methanol poisoning through consuming alcoholic drinks.”
Methanol is sometimes added to mixed drinks at disreputable bars as a cheaper alternative to ethanol, but can cause severe poisoning or death.
It is also a byproduct of poorly distilled homebrew liquor, and could have found its way into bar drinks inadvertently.
Duong Duc Toan, the manager of the Nana Backpacker Hostel, told the AP the day before he was detained more than 100 guests received free shots of Lao Tiger vodka mixed with ice and Coke Zero as a gesture of hospitality.
He said the spirit was from a certified distributor and was not tainted by him or his staff and that he was certain poisoned drinks were not sold at his bar.
It comes after Ms White’s mother revealed the “horrendous” 16-hour journey she made to be at her bedside.
She was taken in for surgery just as her mother, Sue White, 61, arrived at the hospital. It later became clear that her brain function was gone, and she died on Thursday, November 21.
She told The Sunday Times: “The flight from the UK was horrendous. Before I left, I got a call from the hospital to say she needed urgent brain surgery and I had to give my consent.
“It was a terrible, terrible journey.”
