Turkish actress Hande Erçel among 16 detained in major anti-drug crackdown

Probe also covers well-known business personalities Hakan Sabancı and Kerem Sabancı, along with model Didem Soydan and television host Gözde Duran

ISTANBUL: (UrduPoint/UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News-March 25^th, 2026) Turkish authorities have launched a major crackdown on narcotics, detaining several prominent figures from the entertainment, sports, and business sectors, including actress Hande Erçel.

The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office said that detention orders were issued for 16 individuals as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged drug-related activities. Among those taken into custody are former football club presidents Fikret Orman and Burak Elmas.

The probe also covers well-known business personalities Hakan Sabancı and Kerem Sabancı, along with model Didem Soydan and television host Gözde Duran.

The officials said simultaneous raids were carried out at 16 locations across Istanbul, leading to the arrest of 14 suspects, while two others remain at large with warrants issued for their detention.

In an official statement, the prosecutors said the operation is aimed at safeguarding societal values and the family system. The authorities added that preliminary evidence suggests the suspects were either involved in possession of narcotics or facilitating their use.

The investigators said the case is being pursued with full seriousness, adding that further developments are expected as the inquiry continues.