Turkish actor and former Galatasaray star among 16 arrested in Istanbul drug raids

Istanbul police arrested Galatasaray veteran Hasan Sas and Netflix actor Aras Bulut Iynemli, together with a rapper, a sports journalist and influencers, in the fourth such operation against celebrity drug use since late 2025. Prosecutors said the investigation covers the use, facilitation and supply of narcotics.

A Turkish actor and a footballer who helped the national team finish third at the 2002 World Cup were among 16 people detained in anti-drug raids across Istanbul on Friday, as part of an investigation into celebrities, venue operators and social-media influencers.

Hasan Sas, who earned 40 caps for the Turkish national team and played for Galatasaray during its most successful European era, and actor Aras Bulut Iynemli, known abroad for Netflix Turkey productions, were arrested along with actress Melis Sezen, rapper Sefo and 12 others.

The Bakirkoy Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office said the investigation concerns charges of narcotic substance use, facilitating their use and brokering their supply.

Authorities ordered biological testing alongside the searches and detentions. Others arrested include actors Nilperi Sahinkaya, Melisa Senolsun and Afra Saraçoglu, YouTuber Melis Isiten, sports journalist Yagız Sabuncuoglu, model Yeliz Yeşilçimen, content creator Aydan Osmanlı, singer Anıl Durmus and businesswoman Hande Demir.

Friday’s operation is the latest in a series of similar anti-narcotics raids targeting well-known figures in Istanbul since late 2025.

In December 2025, singer Aleyna Tilki, actor Irem Sak and influencer Danla Bilic were among those arrested and later released after biological samples were collected.

In May of this year, authorities arrested 20 people from a list of 25 suspects, including actors Serenay Sarıkaya and Onur Tuna, singer Mabel Matiz and television presenter Mirgun Cabas.

In July, searches were carried out and biological samples taken from 25 other suspects, including singers Sila Gençoğlu and Ilyas Yalçıntaş and producer Fatih Aksoy. Yalçıntaş was later arrested.