Turkish actress Hande Erçel was detained at Istanbul Airport

Police detained Hande Erçel, star of the series *Knock on My Door*, at Istanbul Airport on suspicion of involvement in cases related to illegal substances. 

According to the publication Sözcü, the actress has already appeared in court to give testimony and was sent to the Institute of Forensic Medicine to provide hair and blood samples. The results of the drug test will have a decisive impact on the further course of the investigation being conducted by the Istanbul Prosecutor’s Office.

The arrest took place as part of large-scale anti-drug operations in Turkey, during which about 20 people, including businessmen and celebrities, have already been arrested. Earlier, a court had seized the Bebek Hotel, where, according to law enforcement officials, drug-fueled parties were held. The actress herself stated her willingness to cooperate with the investigation and her trust in the justice system. Prior to this, Erçel had been abroad, which is why the arrest warrant could not be executed earlier.

In Ukraine, the actress is known for her controversial stance due to her regular visits to Moscow and her public support for friendship with Russian officials during the full-scale invasion. Investigators are also looking into the possible involvement of the star’s former fiancé in the case. Currently, law enforcement agencies are continuing to gather evidence as part of a broad investigation into the activities of Istanbul’s entertainment venues.

Earlier, a court in Turkey sentenced Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu—the main political rival of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan—to one year and eight months in prison.