Alcohol, Analytics, Latvia, Legislation, Markets and Companies, Transport

This information is based on State Revenue Service data and research conducted last year by the association.

"Latvia has become a bootleg alcohol 'superpower.' The illegal market has swelled to the extent of five million liters annually or 2,200 cases of half-liter bottles (40% strong) daily. That would be two big truckloads a day," Kaze pointed out, informs LETA.

The extent of the problem is further indicated by the results of a survey conducted by the association this past October. In it 40% admit to having purchased alcohol at one time or another without an excise label, and about 50% saying the know where they can buy it.

"55.9% of those we surveyed don't even consider illegal alcohol a problem, and 53% said they can't tell the difference between bootleg and original," Kaze added.