Drug Raids on Turkish Celebrities: Aleyna Tilki, Danla Bilic, and Irem Sak Released After Testimony

As part of a large-scale narcotics investigation launched by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, several high-profile figures—including singer Aleyna Tilki, actress İrem Sak, and influencers Danla Bilic and Mümine Senna Yıldız—were detained for questioning. While these names were released after providing blood and hair samples for forensic analysis, the operation continues to expand. Warrants remain active for figures currently abroad, such as Şeyma Subaşı and Şevval Şahin, while others like Yusuf Güney and Melisa Döngel are being sought at their known addresses.

The Timeline of Targeted Operations

While narcotics operations are a routine part of law enforcement in Turkey, coordinated “celebrity sweeps” tend to occur in specific cycles. This current wave follows a pattern established in the early 2010s and reinvigorated in recent years, where the Narcotics Branch conducts months of technical surveillance (wiretapping and physical follow-ups) on suspected distributors. These investigations often “climb the ladder” from street dealers to high-society supply chains, culminating in synchronized dawn raids that target the most visible names in pop culture to maximize public impact.

Possible Motivations: Public Health vs. Political Optics

The motivations behind these high-profile raids are often multi-layered. Officially, authorities state that the primary goal is public health and the protection of youth. By targeting celebrities—who serve as influential role models—the state aims to send a “zero tolerance” message regarding substance abuse, attempting to strip away the perceived glamour associated with drug use in the entertainment world.

However, sociopolitical analysts often view these operations through the lens of social engineering and political discipline. These raids frequently align with the “Clean Hands” (Temiz Eller) rhetoric currently permeating the Turkish political sphere. By focusing on social media icons and modern artists, the operations can be used to reinforce traditional values and signal a “cleanup” of a cultural elite that may be perceived as being out of step with the country’s conservative direction. Furthermore, such high-decibel news cycles often serve to dominate the media landscape, shifting public attention toward celebrity scandals and away from more pressing economic or political tensions.