Turkish anchor Ela Rumeysa Cebeci arrested in drug probe

WISE NEWS PRESS / ISTANBUL, TURKEY — DECEMBER 18, 2025

Turkish television presenter Ela Rumeysa Cebeci was arrested by an Istanbul court on Wednesday on charges of "facilitating the use of narcotics" as part of a high-profile drug investigation.

The arrest follows a forensic report issued on Monday, December 15, which confirmed that Cebeci and six other individuals, including journalist Mehmet Akif Ersoy, tested positive for illegal substances. According to judicial sources, Cebeci provided her statement at the Istanbul Courthouse earlier today before the criminal judge ruled for her pre-trial detention based on the collected hair sample evidence.

Prosecutor's Office confirms charges

The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office released a statement confirming that the Anti-Smuggling and Narcotics Bureau sought the arrest based on additional evidence gathered during the ongoing investigation. The office stated that Cebeci is being charged specifically with facilitating the consumption of narcotics, a serious offense under the Turkish Penal Code that carries significant prison time.

Widening investigation into public figures

The probe has already seen the detention of other media personalities, including journalist Mehmet Akif Ersoy, who was remanded in custody last Thursday. Ersoy faces charges of purchasing and possessing illegal substances for personal use, as well as providing the means for consumption. Authorities indicate that the investigation is expanding as forensic results for other suspects in the case are being processed.

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