Turkish Celebrities in Legal Turmoil: Drug Allegations and Court Verdicts

The Turkish entertainment industry is currently facing a wide-reaching crisis as an expanding narcotics investigation led by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office targets a significant number of high-profile celebrities and business figures.

The probe, which has evolved into a series of coordinated raids, aims to identify high-level figures within drug trafficking networks. Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor Fatih Dönmez has indicated that further operations are planned as new evidence emerges, noting that the investigation is utilizing cooperation with INTERPOL and other international partners to reach those at the top of these networks.

Recent Detentions and High-Profile Targets

On April 7, 2026, the Beykoz Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office announced the detention of nine individuals, including prominent figures from the entertainment sector. Among those detained were actor İbrahim Çelikkol and singers Simge Sağın, Melek Mosso, Mustafa Ceceli, and Ersay Üner.

This operation was conducted in coordination with the Istanbul Provincial Gendarmerie’s narcotics unit. The suspects faced allegations involving the supply, possession, or use of narcotics for personal use. These detentions followed the gathering of intelligence and tips, leading to simultaneous search and seizure operations.

The crackdown continued on April 9, 2026, when prosecutors ordered the detention of an additional 14 public figures. This latest phase of the investigation included the detention of musicians, actors, and a celebrity chef.

Forensic Data and Legal Framework

Prosecutor Fatih Dönmez provided a detailed breakdown of the investigation’s scale, stating that 255 suspects have been processed to date. Of these, 219 individuals underwent forensic examinations at Turkey’s Council of Forensic Medicine, with narcotics detected in 169 of those suspects.

As of April 10, 2026, 32 people have been arrested in connection with the case. In broader narcotics operations conducted over the preceding two months, authorities also detained 400 street dealers.

The legal proceedings are primarily moving forward under Article 191 of the Turkish Penal Code (TCK), which governs the use of narcotic substances. Convictions under this statute can result in prison sentences ranging from two to five years.

Case Outcomes and Industry Impact

While many figures remain under investigation, some have seen their legal status change. Sinem Ünsal has been officially acquitted, marking the end of a crisis that had impacted the actress. Conversely, Hande Erçel has remained a subject of public and legal debate following results from urine analysis tests.

Earlier in the probe, on March 27, 2026, a court released several individuals under judicial supervision measures. Those released included Hakan Sabancı, Kerim Sabancı, and former models Didem Soydan and Güzide Duran, along with individuals identified as Orman and Elmas.

The current wave of operations follows a precedent set by a probe launched on October 8, 2025, which targeted 19 individuals for questioning at the Istanbul Provincial Gendarmerie Command. That investigation included high-profile names such as Birce Akalay, Birsen Berrak Tüzünataç, Dilan Polat, Kaan Yıldırım, Kubilay Aka, Metin Akdülger, and Deren and Derin Talu.

The scale of these investigations has sparked a debate within Turkey regarding the accountability of public figures as role models for youth. However, the high visibility of the cases has also drawn criticism, with some suggesting that the publicized nature of the probes risks becoming a form of character assassination against public figures.