Turkey arrests 22 celebrities in major anti-drug operation

Turkish authorities launched a sweeping police operation on Thursday, apprehending 22 prominent figures from the artistic and media sectors as part of a major drug investigation. Local media has widely reported on the case, referring to it as the "celebrity drug case."

Among those detained are the renowned actress Beren Saat and her husband, popular singer Kenan Doğulu, according to multiple Turkish news outlets. The operation was carried out by Istanbul's anti-narcotics police units, who simultaneously targeted artists, content creators, and public personalities based on arrest warrants issued by Turkish courts.

The arrested individuals were transferred to the anti-drug directorate for questioning as part of the ongoing investigation. The list of those detained includes other well-known names in the Turkish entertainment industry, such as singer Ozan Doğulu, comedian Enis Arıkan, Kurdish artist Berdan Mardini, singer Ayşe Hatun Önal, and content creator Kerimcan Durmaz.

This operation is part of a broader investigation initiated last October, targeting networks suspected of drug consumption and trafficking within artistic and entertainment circles. Turkey has seen several waves of arrests and summonses in recent months involving actors, singers, and influencers, framed by authorities as a comprehensive strategy against drugs and for public health protection. The case has garnered significant attention due to the high profile of the individuals involved, with Beren Saat being one of Turkey's most popular television actresses and Kenan Doğulu a well-known singer and former Eurovision representative.