A large-scale anti-drug operation has been launched in Türkiye's Istanbul city, with searches and detention orders issued for a group that includes well-known actors, musicians, former athletes and social media personalities.

The Bakırköy Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office issued orders for the detention of 18 suspects, as well as searches of their homes and workplaces, biological examinations and questioning, TRT Haber reports.

The operation is being carried out by the Istanbul Provincial Gendarmerie Command.

According to investigators, evidence indicating drug use and the provision of premises for drug use was obtained through operational and technical surveillance.

Those named in the investigation include actor Aras Bulut İynemli, musician Sefo (Seyfullah Sağır), actresses Melis Sezen, Nilperi Şahinkaya and Hazal Filiz Küçükköse, former footballer Hasan Şaş, as well as Melis İşiten, Eliz Yeşilçimen and Hande Demir.

The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities carrying out searches, examinations and questioning as part of the operation.