A sweeping narcotics investigation in Türkiye has escalated dramatically, reaching the highest echelons of the country's football and entertainment industries. The probe, led by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, has seen the detention of numerous high-profile figures, most notably the President of Fenerbahçe Sports Club, Sadettin Saran, whose case has become a national flashpoint after a forensic test returned a positive result for cocaine.
The investigation, which began with the arrest of media figures in early December, gained significant momentum following the cooperation of social media influencer Sercan Yaşar, who was reportedly released under "effective remorse" provisions after providing information on a network of drug use and supply among celebrities. This led to a second wave of operations targeting the show business world.
Celebrities and Media Figures Caught in the Net
The initial phase of the operation saw the arrest of prominent media personalities, including former Habertürk TV Editor-in-Chief Mehmet Akif Ersoy and news anchor Ela Rümeysa Cebeci, both of whom were subsequently jailed pending trial on drug-related charges.
The scandal broadened to include a host of popular entertainers and influencers. Singer Aleyna Tilki, actress İrem Sak, and social media phenomenon Danla Biliç (Neslihan Damla Aktepe) were among those detained in coordinated raids across Istanbul. Arrest warrants were also issued for several other well-known names, including actress Melisa Döngel and singer Yusuf Güney, underscoring the deep reach of the alleged network into Türkiye's cultural landscape.
Sector | Notable Figures Detained/Warranted | Charges |
Football/Sports | Sadettin Saran (Fenerbahçe President) | Supplying, facilitating use, and using narcotics |
Media | Mehmet Akif Ersoy (Former Editor-in-Chief), Ela Rümeysa Cebeci (News Anchor) | Supplying narcotics |
Show Business | Aleyna Tilki (Singer), İrem Sak (Actress), Danla Biliç (Influencer) | Drug use and possession |
Others | Sercan Yaşar (Informant), Ezgi Fındık (Influencer) | Various drug and prostitution-related charges |
Fenerbahçe President's Positive Test and Denial
The investigation took a stunning turn when it implicated Sadettin Saran, the newly elected President of one of Türkiye's largest football clubs, Fenerbahçe. Saran was initially summoned for questioning on December 20 on suspicion of "providing and facilitating the use of narcotics."
Following his testimony, Saran was subjected to forensic testing. The results, released on December 23, revealed a critical distinction: while his blood, urine, and nail samples were negative, his hair sample tested positive for the cocaine metabolite benzoylecgonine. Forensic experts noted that hair analysis can indicate drug use over a longer period, whereas blood and urine tests typically cover only the most recent days.
Saran, who was detained a second time shortly after the test results were made public, vehemently denied the findings. In a statement on his social media account, he declared, "I have never used this drug in my life. I have not even seen it up close." He challenged the result, formally requesting a retest at a private laboratory. The legal process saw a new development when Saran was brought to the courthouse for his statement to the prosecutor. On the same day, he was released under judicial control conditions. The conditions of his release include a requirement to sign a register every Monday and Thursday. The decision was met with relief by Fenerbahçe management and fans who had gathered at the Istanbul Courthouse in support. Club officials, including Vice President Murat Salar, expressed confidence in the Turkish justice system and the President's innocence, with Saran himself stating his intention to immediately return to his duties at the club.
The Life of Sadettin Saran: From Olympic Hopeful to Business Mogul
Steven Sadettin Saran, born in Denver, Colorado, in 1964, is a prominent Turkish-American businessman and sports executive whose life has been marked by success in both athletics and entrepreneurship.
Saran's early life was defined by his athletic prowess. He was a competitive swimmer, attending the University of Kentucky on a scholarship where he captained the swim team. He later served as the captain of the Turkish National Swimming Team from 1984 to 1985, setting a national record in the 50-meter freestyle.
After completing his Mechanical Engineering degree, Saran returned to Türkiye. Following a stint at the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and a role as Assistant General Manager at Martin Marietta's Ankara office, he founded Saran Holding in 1990. The conglomerate has grown into a major force in Turkish business, with interests spanning media, publishing, internet platforms, aviation, and tourism. Saran Holding is particularly dominant in sports broadcasting, holding approximately 65% of the market share and securing rights for major European leagues like the Premier League, La Liga, and Serie A.
Saran's deep connection to Fenerbahçe S.K. is long-standing. He previously served on the board but was controversially expelled by then-President Aziz Yıldırım, a decision he successfully challenged in a seven-year legal battle. His ambition to lead the club culminated in his election as the 38th President in September 2025, winning a closely contested extraordinary general assembly vote. His presidency, intended to usher in a new era for the club, has now been overshadowed by the ongoing legal scandal.