Istanbul police detained 19 individuals, including several well-known figures from Turkey’s entertainment industry, in a coordinated operation overnight, authorities announced Tuesday. The detentions are part of an investigation into alleged drug use, according to a statement from the Istanbul Public Prosecutor’s Office.
Among those taken into custody are Kaan Tangöze, lead vocalist of the popular rock band Duman; singer Murat Dalkılıç; fashion designer Kemal Doğulu; and actor İsmail Hacıoğlu. Murathan Kurt and Nailcan Kurt, the owners of the popular snack brand Züber, were also detained, the prosecutor’s office confirmed.
The operation, which began late Monday night at 2:00 AM local time, targeted 25 suspects across Istanbul. Authorities reported seizing more than 50 grams of marijuana during the raids. A warrant was also issued for the arrest of singer Edis Görgülü, who released a statement on social media saying he was cutting short a planned vacation to return to Turkey and cooperate with the investigation.
“I am returning to my country as soon as possible, having cut short my long-planned vacation,” Görgülü wrote. “I am ready to do whatever is necessary in all official processes. I have no involvement in the matters in question. My conscience is clear, and I hope yours is too.”
Eight additional suspects remain at large, and authorities are continuing efforts to locate and apprehend them, according to reports. Murat Dalkılıç’s press advisor, Özgür Aras, issued a statement denying the allegations against the singer. “We are fully confident that he will be acquitted after his statement and, if necessary, the test samples taken,” Aras said, adding that Dalkılıç had not used any illegal substances other than antibiotics prescribed following recent nasal surgeries.
The Istanbul Public Prosecutor’s Office indicated that the investigation is also examining potential charges related to facilitating drug use and, in some cases, alleged involvement in prostitution. The investigation falls under the purview of the Kaçakçılık, Narkotik ve Ekonomik Suçlar Soruşturma Bürosu (Smuggling, Narcotics and Economic Crimes Investigation Bureau).
This is not the first time Turkish authorities have targeted figures in the entertainment industry in drug-related investigations. Similar operations have resulted in the detention of several social media personalities and other public figures in recent years, drawing scrutiny over the handling of such cases and concerns about the presumption of innocence.
Under Turkish law, penalties for drug use, possession, and trafficking are distinct. The use of illegal substances carries its own set of penalties, while facilitating drug use or engaging in drug trafficking carries significantly harsher punishments. The legal framework also outlines specific protections, including the requirement for judicial warrants and adherence to the principle of proportionality in investigative measures such as searches and surveillance.
