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A prominent Turkish media executive has been detained as part of a widening drug investigation that has already swept up television anchors and entertainment figures, authorities confirmed Tuesday.
Mehmet Akif Ersoy, editor-in-chief at Haberturk, was taken into custody by Istanbul Provincial Gendarmerie teams following an order from the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office. Officers conducted a raid at Ersoy's residence before transporting him to gendarmerie headquarters for questioning.
The detention marks the latest development in an investigation that has roiled Türkiye's media and entertainment industries in recent weeks. Prosecutors are examining allegations of both drug use and trafficking under articles 188 and 191 of the Turkish Penal Code, which address narcotics distribution and consumption respectively.
The probe's scope expanded significantly after investigators analyzed the mobile phone of a detained social media influencer who voluntarily submitted the device for examination. A forensic review of messaging applications including WhatsApp and Telegram revealed extensive communications pointing to a drug supply and distribution network, according to investigative sources.
During interrogation, the influencer allegedly told prosecutors that he had established a media company as a front to conceal his activities. He reportedly acknowledged engaging in drug trafficking and claimed his income derived from illegal trade. These admissions, combined with cross-referencing of digital evidence from previous operations, prompted investigators to shift their focus beyond users to potential suppliers and facilitators.
Last week, three well-known television news anchors were detained as part of the same investigation. Ela Rumeysa Cebeci, Hande Sarioglu and Meltem Acet were taken by gendarmerie teams for questioning and provided blood and hair samples at the Forensic Medicine Institute. All three faced charges of using drugs or stimulants but were released after completing processing procedures.
Numerous other individuals from the entertainment sector, including actors, singers and social media personalities, have been summoned to give statements without formal detention orders. Test results for most of these individuals came back negative, investigators said. Some whose tests showed positive results attributed the findings to legal prescription medications.
The investigation remains active across multiple fronts as prosecutors analyze newly obtained evidence and digital communications. Legal experts note that Turkish law distinguishes between personal drug use, which carries administrative penalties and potential rehabilitation requirements, and trafficking offenses, which can result in substantial prison sentences.
Authorities have indicated that continued analysis of digital records may lead to additional summons for high-profile figures in coming days. The probe has highlighted the intersection of Türkiye's entertainment industry with alleged drug networks, though investigators have emphasized that many individuals questioned have been cleared of wrongdoing.
The gendarmerie and prosecutor's office have not publicly commented on the specific evidence linking Ersoy to the investigation or what charges he may face.
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