Celebrity Drug Raid in Istanbul: 17 Detained, Arrest Warrant for Singer Edis

A late-night narcotics operation targeting high-profile figures has sent shockwaves through Turkey’s entertainment and sports communities. The İstanbul Cumhuriyet Başsavcılığı confirmed that 17 individuals were detained in a coordinated operation linked to a drug investigation involving well-known public figures.

Among those taken into custody are prominent musicians, actors, and business figures. Authorities also issued an arrest warrant for singer Edis, who was reportedly abroad at the time of the operation.

Midnight Operation Targets Public Figures

The investigation, led by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office in coordination with the Istanbul Police Department’s Narcotics Crimes Division, focused on allegations of purchasing, possessing, using, and facilitating the use of narcotic substances.

Those detained include singer Murat Dalkılıç, Kaan Tangöze, lead vocalist of the rock band Duman, and actor İsmail Hacıoğlu. Fashion designer and television personality Kemal Doğulu is also among those in custody.

Authorities initially issued detention warrants for 25 individuals. As of the official statement, 17 suspects had been detained, while efforts to locate the remaining eight were ongoing.

Former National Athlete Also Detained

Former national athlete Adem Kılıçcı was also taken into custody in connection with the investigation, according to updated information released hours after the initial operation.

The probe extends beyond entertainment figures. Reports indicate that Murathan Kurt and Nailcan Kurt, owners of the additive-free food brand Züber, were also detained as part of the same investigation.

Arrest Warrant Issued for Edis

As the operation unfolded, prosecutors issued an arrest warrant for singer Edis, whose full name is Edis Görgülü. Authorities stated that he had traveled to Brazil the previous day. His status remains under review as part of the ongoing investigation.

Seized Substances and Official Statement

In its formal announcement, the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office detailed the scope of the operation and the substances seized.

According to the statement, 52.46 grams of marijuana were confiscated during searches conducted at multiple locations.

The prosecutor’s office stated:

“Our Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office Smuggling, Narcotics and Economic Crimes Investigation Bureau, in coordination with the Istanbul Police Department Narcotics Crimes Division, has for some time been conducting an investigation into ‘individuals known to the public’ for the offenses of purchasing, accepting or possessing narcotic or psychotropic substances for personal use, using narcotic or psychotropic substances, and facilitating the use of narcotic or psychotropic substances.

Within the scope of the evidence gathered in the investigation file and at the current stage reached, 17 of the 25 suspects identified as participating in the alleged offenses were apprehended and detained as a result of simultaneous arrest, detention, search and seizure operations carried out at 02:00 today.

As a result of the searches, a total of 52.46 grams of marijuana were seized from various suspects. Efforts to apprehend the remaining 8 suspects are ongoing.

Our Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office will continue its fight against all forms of crime and criminals with determination and resolve.

Respectfully submitted to the public.
Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office.”

Investigation Ongoing

Authorities emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and that additional legal steps may follow depending on the evidence collected.

The operation has drawn significant public attention due to the prominence of those involved. However, under Turkish law, detention does not constitute a conviction, and all suspects are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Further developments are expected as prosecutors continue to question detainees and pursue the remaining suspects.