Turkey detains 25 celebrities in Istanbul drug investigation

Turkish authorities detained between 22 and 25 people in Istanbul on June 11 as part of a drug investigation targeting the entertainment industry. Among those detained were actress Beren Saat, her husband singer Kenan Doğulu, and former Miss Turkey 1999 Ayşe Hatun Önal. Nine were remanded in custody while others, including Saat and Doğulu, were released under judicial supervision with travel bans.

Turkish police detained between 22 and 25 celebrities in Istanbul on June 11, 2026, as part of a sweeping drug investigation targeting the country's entertainment world. Among those caught up in the crackdown were some of Turkey's most recognizable names in television, music, and the world of beauty pageants.

Actress Beren Saat, best known internationally for her leading role in the sequel to the hit historical drama Magnificent Century, was among those detained and subjected to drug testing. Her husband, pop singer Kenan Doğulu, who represented Turkey at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2007, was also brought in for questioning. Former Miss Turkey 1999 winner Ayşe Hatun Önal was likewise detained as part of the operation.

Authorities collected drug samples from all those detained. Following the tests, nine individuals were remanded into custody, while the remaining detainees, including Saat, Doğulu, and Önal, were released under judicial supervision. All those released have been banned from leaving Turkey pending the ongoing investigation.

The operation marks one of the most high-profile celebrity crackdowns Turkey has seen in recent years, drawing significant public attention and sparking debate about the government's approach to policing the country's entertainment industry.