Istanbul authorities have detained 16 people, including a former Galatasaray footballer and a prominent Netflix actor, in the latest wave of anti-narcotics raids aimed at celebrities and social media figures. The operation, carried out on Friday, marks the fourth such crackdown since late 2025.
Among those held are Hasan Şaş, who earned 40 caps for Turkey and was part of the national squad that finished third at the 2002 World Cup, and Aras Bulut İynemli, known internationally for his roles in Turkish Netflix productions. Also detained were actor Melis Sezen, rapper Sefo, and 12 others, including actors, a sports journalist, and several influencers. Two further suspects remained at large at the time of reporting.
The Bakırköy Chief Public Prosecutor's Office said the investigation covers allegations of using narcotic and psychotropic substances, facilitating their use, and mediating their supply. Authorities ordered biological examinations alongside the searches and detentions.
Celebrity drug investigations intensify
Friday's operation is part of a broader pattern of police actions targeting well-known figures in Istanbul. In December 2025, singer Aleyna Tilki, actor İrem Sak, and influencer Danla Bilic were taken into custody and later released after providing biological samples. In May, authorities detained 20 people from a list of 25 suspects that included actors Serenay Sarıkaya and Onur Tuna, singer Mabel Matiz, and television presenter Mirgün Cabas. In July, searches and sampling were carried out on 25 more suspects, including singers Sıla Gençoğlu and İlyas Yalçıntaş and producer Fatih Aksoy; Yalçıntaş was subsequently arrested.
The latest detentions include actors Nilperi Şahinkaya, Melisa Şenolsun, and Afra Saraçoğlu, YouTuber Melis İşiten, sports journalist Yağız Sabuncuoğlu, model Yeliz Yeşilçimen, content creator Aydan Osmanlı, singer Anıl Durmuş, and businesswoman Hande Demir.
These raids come amid a wider debate in Turkey about drug use among public figures and the influence of celebrity culture. The authorities have not released further details about the evidence gathered, but the scale of the operations suggests a coordinated effort to address drug-related offenses in the entertainment and sports industries.
Istanbul, already a focal point for such investigations, has seen a series of high-profile cases. The city's role as a cultural and economic hub, with its vibrant nightlife and media scene, has made it a central stage for these crackdowns. The recent operations also coincide with increased police activity in other areas, such as the detention of over 150 people at an LGBTQ protest, reflecting a broader law-enforcement push.
For now, the 16 detainees are expected to undergo biological testing, and prosecutors will decide whether to press formal charges. The case has drawn attention across Europe, where Turkish television dramas and football have a significant following, and it underscores the ongoing scrutiny of public figures in Turkey.
