site.bta14 Turkish Celebrities Detained for Drug Possession, Use and Prohibited Substances Distribution

Turkish authorities have initiated proceedings against a total of 25 individuals within the scope of an investigation for drug possession, use, and distribution of prohibited substances, that has been ongoing for nearly six months, state broadcaster TRT Haber said on Thursday.

In the investigation conducted by the Bakirkoy Chief Public Prosecutor's Office in Istanbul, targeting celebrities, detention and arrest warrants were issued for many famous names in the entertainment business. 14 celebrities were detained in the operation, arrest warrants were issued for another 11 individuals who were abroad or not at their addresses.

Among those detained are actress Serenay Sarikaya, pop singer Tan Tasci, singer Mabel Matiz, rapper Hakan Aydin (Blok3), actress Feyza Civelek, actor Onur Tuna and others.

The Istanbul Gendarmerie, after collecting the relevant evidence, issued an order for the detention and questioning of 25 individuals. As part of the investigation, 24 addresses were searched in various districts of Istanbul and the province of Mugla, where the Turkish resort of Bodrum is located.

A parallel investigation led to the seizure of a large quantity of cocaine that was to be smuggled into Turkiye by sea. At the same time, drug manufacturing sites were identified in Istanbul, and numerous dealers were arrested. The drugs found at these sites were confiscated.