Turkish celebrities released in high-profile drug investigation

WISE NEWS PRESS / ISTANBUL, TURKEY — DEC. 18, 2025

Turkish authorities have ordered the release of several prominent figures, including singer Aleyna Tilki, actress Irem Sak, and social media influencer Danla Bilic, following their detention in a narcotics investigation launched by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office.

The investigation, which reportedly intensified following a statement from influencer Sercan Yaşar under effective repentance laws, involved blood and hair sample testing at the Forensic Medicine Institute. While these high-profile names were released after giving their testimonies, authorities noted that several other suspects, including actress Melisa Döngel and singer Yusuf Güney, could not be located at their registered addresses.

Legal framework and search findings

The Prosecutor's Office stated that there was "reasonable suspicion" regarding the use of stimulants and narcotics by the celebrities involved. According to Tilki's lawyer, Ayşegül Mermer, no criminal elements were discovered during the gendarmerie search of the singer's residence. Mermer emphasized the importance of the presumption of innocence during the ongoing judicial process.

Drug-related offenses under Turkish law

The Turkish Penal Code (TCK) categorizes drug offenses into various types with distinct penalties. Drug trafficking carries sentences from 10 to 30 years, while the personal use of narcotics is punishable by 2 to 5 years in prison. However, for first-time offenders within personal use limits, the execution of the sentence is often deferred in favor of rehabilitation. Facilitating the use of drugs by providing space or equipment carries a penalty of 5 to 10 years.

Criticism of the legal procedure

Speaking to BBC News Turkish, lawyer Doğan Erkan criticized the current legal structure for its lack of technical precision, noting that consumers providing drugs to friends for shared use can face similar penalties as professional dealers. Erkan argued that the distinction between "personal use" and "providing to others" often only becomes clear after suspects have undergone detention or arrest, calling for more predictable and fair legislative reforms.

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