Turkish actor Burak Deniz arrested in major anti-drug raid

Turkish actor Burak Deniz, known for his roles in numerous hit TV series and widely recognised for the film Queen of the Night, was arrested in Istanbul as part of a police anti-drug operation.

A total of 11 people out of 14 individuals subject to detention orders issued by the prosecutor’s office have been taken into custody, Caliber.Az reports, citing Turkish media.

Among those arrested is rapper Ender Eroglu, better known by his stage name Norm Ender.

Earlier on April 7, authorities detained nine other figures from the entertainment industry, including actor İbrahim Çelikkol, known for the series “The House You Were Born In Is Your Destiny” and “Bird’s Flight”, as well as popular pop singers Bengü, Simge Sağın, and Melek Mosso.

They are suspected of using, possessing, and distributing illegal drugs.

Large-scale anti-drug operations have been regularly carried out in Türkiye in recent months, primarily in Istanbul.

Previous actions have led to the arrests of dozens of people, including well-known actors, TV journalists, and social media influencers.

In February, an Istanbul court ordered the closure of the five-star Bebek hotel on the Bosphorus, where police say parties were held involving members of the local elite using narcotics.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov