Türkiye launches major anti-drug operation targeting celebrities

A major anti-drug operation has been launched in Istanbul, with arrests and searches targeting well-known actors, musicians, former athletes and social media influencers, TRT Haber reports.

The Bakırköy Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office issued detention and search warrants for 18 suspects. The warrants authorise searches of residential and workplace premises, as well as biological examinations and interrogations. The operation is being conducted by the Istanbul Provincial Gendarmerie Command.

According to investigators, evidence of drug use and of premises being provided for drug consumption was obtained through operational and technical surveillance.

Those named in the investigation include actor Aras Bulut İynemli; musician Sefo, whose real name is Seyfullah Sağır; actresses Melis Sezen, Nilperi Şahinkaya and Hazal Filiz Küçükköse; former footballer Hasan Şaş; as well as Melis İşiten, Eliz Yeşilçimen and Hande Demir.

The investigation is ongoing.

By Tamilla Hasanova