Authorities in Turkey detained television host Veyis Ateş and social media influencer Taner Çağlı in İstanbul on Sunday as part of a drug investigation that has already targeted journalists, social media influencers, business leaders, and figures from the television, film, fashion and media sectors.
The İstanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office said the two were among 17 suspects picked up in a new series of coordinated raids targeting alleged drug use and trafficking in elite social circles.
Police conducted simultaneous operations in İstanbul and southwestern Muğla province to apprehend 15 people, capturing 14 of them, while one remains at large.
The vice chairman of a major Turkish business group was among those detained, according to Turkish media reports.
On the same day police detained Zohaer Majhadi, public relations director for the Les Benjamins clothing brand, and Rabia Yaman, a stylist and designer.
Majhadi was taken into custody at İstanbul Airport after returning from abroad.
Prosecutors accuse both of drug trafficking and facilitating prostitution, though the evidence cited has not been made public.
These latest detentions mark the fourth wave of raids in a case that has expanded steadily since October.
The investigation has already led to the arrest or questioning of dozens of high-profile figures, including television presenters, pop singers, actors, journalists, fashion industry figures and the head of a major sports club.
Last week police detained Fenerbahçe Sports Club President Sadettin Saran after a forensic hair test reportedly showed traces of narcotics.
Saran denied the results and requested an independent test.
The club’s board issued a statement expressing confidence that he would be successful in his denial and resume his duties.
The investigation began in early October, when 19 celebrities were summoned for questioning and drug testing.
Among them were pop star Hadise, actress Demet Evgar, and model Derin Talu, who were released the same day. Prosecutors later dropped the charges against several of them following negative toxicology results.
Throughout November authorities continued collecting samples from public figures without ordering detentions.
The tone shifted in December, when prosecutors issued detention warrants based on test results and evidence gathered from communications and surveillance.
One of the most prominent arrests came in mid-December, when Mehmet Akif Ersoy, former editor-in-chief of Habertürk TV, was jailed on accusations of drug use and providing a venue for others to use drugs.
Prosecutors allege he arranged private gatherings where narcotics were consumed, although Ersoy denies any wrongdoing.
Television anchor Ela Rümeysa Cebeci was also arrested after test results for narcotics use returned positive.
Authorities have issued arrest warrants for several individuals believed to be abroad, including 2018 Miss Turkey winner Şevval Şahin, socialite Şeyma Subaşı and media personality Mert Vidinli.
Prosecutors say suspects face a range of charges including drug production and trafficking, enabling drug use, providing space or means for consumption and facilitating prostitution.
Police say searches of residences and entertainment venues have uncovered quantities of cocaine, pills, cannabis and unregistered firearms.
One venue in İstanbul was reportedly equipped with hidden rooms used for drug consumption and sex work, according to investigators.
The probe has focused on mapping distribution networks and identifying individuals involved in the supply and organization of drug-related gatherings.
Opposition politicians have raised concerns about the nature of the crackdown.
Main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader Özgür Özel criticized the pre-dawn raids, saying they damage reputations before a court has ruled.
Other critics said the investigation targets people who have had favorable relationships with the government rather than opposition figures, challenging the assumption that elite connections offer protection from prosecution.
Analysts noted that the investigation was being led not by İstanbul’s police but by gendarmerie teams, saying this suggests a lack of trust in the police and a desire to control the probe to prevent leaks.
Veyis Ateş, 48, was a longtime anchor and executive at Habertürk TV before resigning in 2021.
That year, leaked recordings appeared to show him soliciting €10 million from a fugitive businessman in exchange for arranging contact with then-interior minister Süleyman Soylu.
He denied wrongdoing but stepped down after a public backlash.
Taner Çağlı, 34, is a content creator who became known for viral street interview videos and social commentary on YouTube and TikTok.
Both men were questioned earlier in December and ordered to undergo forensic testing.
On Friday a court in İstanbul ordered 17 suspects jailed pending trial and put two others under judicial supervision, requiring regular check-ins with authorities.
Ateş and Çağlı were taken for additional forensic testing after their detention and could be jailed once the results are reviewed.
Police say they will decide on further arrests or releases once all statements and evidence are evaluated. As of Monday 23 suspects remain jailed as part of the investigation.