Turkish authorities have detained 18 individuals, including prominent figures like actors Aras Bulut İynemli and Afra Saraçoğlu, as well as ex-footballer Hasan Şaş, in a drug investigation in Istanbul. The Bakırköy Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office initiated the detentions based on evidence suggesting illegal drug use and distribution among the suspects.
Following orders from prosecutors, the İstanbul Provincial Gendarmerie Command conducted the arrests, which included biological testing and interviews with the detained before bringing them to the prosecutor’s office. İynemli is particularly recognized for his role in “Miracle in Cell No. 7,” while Şaş was part of Turkey’s 2002 World Cup team.
In addition, six more suspects related to a separate investigation involving drug use and potential prostitution were also targeted, though it’s unclear if they were detained.
This operation is part of ongoing investigations into narcotics use among celebrities that began in October 2025 and have expanded to include a range of public figures such as musicians and influencers. Previous operations had already led to the detention of multiple public figures, many of whom were later released after providing toxicology samples.
Critics argue that the government is focusing too heavily on celebrities rather than addressing larger drug trafficking issues.
