**Turkish Actor and World Cup Star Among 16 Arrested in Istanbul Drug Raids**
Istanbul, Turkey – In a significant anti-drug operation conducted on Friday, September 18, 2026, Istanbul police detained 16 individuals, including notable figures from the entertainment and sports industries. Among those arrested were Hasan Şaş, a veteran footballer who played a pivotal role in Turkey's national team during the 2002 World Cup, and Aras Bulut İynemli, a popular actor recognized for his work in Netflix Turkey productions.
The operation is part of an ongoing investigation into the use and distribution of narcotics among celebrities, venue operators, and social media influencers. The Bakırköy Chief Public Prosecutor's Office has indicated that the investigation encompasses allegations of narcotic and psychotropic substance use, facilitation, and supply.
In addition to Şaş and İynemli, the operation also led to the arrest of other prominent figures including actress Melis Sezen, rapper Sefo, and a range of influencers and journalists. The full list of those detained includes actors Nilperi Şahinkaya, Melisa Şenolsun, and Afra Saraçoğlu, as well as YouTuber Melis İşiten, sports journalist Yağız Sabuncuoğlu, model Yeliz Yeşilçimen, content creator Aydan Osmanlı, singer Anıl Durmuş, and businesswoman Hande Demir. Authorities are still in search of two additional suspects linked to the investigation.
This raid marks the fourth such operation targeting celebrities in Istanbul since late 2025. Previous operations have also resulted in the detention of well-known personalities, including singer Aleyna Tilki and actor İrem Sak in December 2025, as well as a group of 20 individuals in May 2026 that featured actors Serenay Sarıkaya and Onur Tuna, among others. In July 2026, further searches were conducted, leading to the arrest of singer İlyas Yalçıntaş.
As part of the ongoing investigation, authorities have mandated biological examinations for the detained individuals. This approach aims to gather evidence regarding the alleged drug use and distribution activities.
The series of operations targeting celebrities has sparked discussions about drug use in the entertainment industry in Turkey. The high-profile nature of the arrests has drawn significant media attention and raised questions about the influence of celebrity culture on public perceptions of drug use.
The Turkish government has been increasingly vigilant in its efforts to combat drug-related offenses, particularly among high-profile figures who may set examples for the youth. The recent raids underscore the authorities' commitment to tackling narcotics issues in the country, regardless of the social status of those involved.
As the investigation continues, the detained individuals are expected to undergo legal proceedings, with the outcomes likely to have implications for both their careers and the broader conversation surrounding substance use in Turkish society.