Drug test of Erdal Beşikçioğlu’s deputy Taylan Özgüven comes back positive

A forensic report found two synthetic cannabinoids in a hair sample from Taylan Özgüven, deputy mayor of Ankara’s Etimesgut district, amid an investigation into alleged drug use.

The investigation began after authorities received a report concerning Özgüven. Ankara prosecutors referred him to the Ankara Forensic Medicine Branch Directorate under Article 191/1 of Turkey’s Penal Code. Officials collected blood, hair, urine and nail samples.

The forensic report identified the synthetic cannabinoids 5F-ADB and MDMB-INACA in the hair sample, according to the report cited by Cumhuriyet.

The investigation into Etimesgut Municipality has also involved Mayor Erdal Beşikçioğlu and deputy mayor Mutlu Kerimoğlu. Samples were collected from both men after allegations were reported. A forensic examination found the THC metabolite THC-COOH in Beşikçioğlu’s blood and urine, and his drug test was reported as positive.

After that result, a statement Beşikçioğlu gave to Ankara prosecutors in 2014 resurfaced. “I have never bought drugs in my life. Because I was offered it and could not refuse, I occasionally used cannabis. I am not addicted,” he said at the time.

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I have never bought drugs in my life. Because I was offered it and could not refuse, I occasionally used cannabis. I am not addicted.