Drug Investigation: 15 Suspects Test Positive

İstanbul, December 28, 2025 – A sweeping drug investigation in İstanbul has led to the arrest of 20 individuals, including virtual media personality Melisa Şahin adn model Melisa Fidan Çalışkan, after forensic analysis revealed that 15 of them tested positive for cocaine. The investigation, carried out by the Chief Public ProsecutorS Office, initially involved hair and blood samples collected from the suspects at the Forensic Medicine Institute.

Fifteen Suspects test Positive for Cocaine

The investigation uncovered cocaine use among a group of individuals including celebrities and business leaders in İstanbul.

• The İstanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office initiated a drug investigation.
• Twenty suspects, including Melisa Şahin and Melisa Fidan Çalışkan, provided samples.
• Forensic analysis confirmed cocaine use in 15 of the individuals tested.
• Twenty-seven individuals were arrested on December 27, 2025, as part of the ongoing investigation.

Businessman Mahmut Uğur Ziylan, model Melisa Fidan Çalışkan, Erdi Çetin, Uğur Can Peker, Yağmur Uçkun, Atilla Aydın, Nuran Çokçalışkan, Burak Kaptan, Müzeyyen Karakan, Murat Can Şirin, Ozan Kılıç, Esra Yoldaş Balcı, businessman hamdi Burak Beşer, and Yılmaz Burak Bozkurt were among those found to have traces of the substance.

Did you know? – Turkey is a major transit route for drugs trafficked between Asia, Europe, and Africa, making drug enforcement a priority.

What are the penalties for cocaine possession in Turkey? Cocaine possession in Turkey carries severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences and substantial fines, depending on the quantity possessed and the individual’s prior criminal record.

On December 27, 2025, authorities arrested businessman Mahmut Uğur ziylan, manager Hamdi burak Beşer, model Melisa Fidan Çalışkan, belly dancer Nuran Çokçalışkan, Erdi Çetin, Uğur Can Peker, İhsan Aygün, Müzeyyen Karakan, Murat Can Şirin, Yağmur Uçkun, Atilla Aydın, Ozan Kılıç, Esra Yoldaş Balcı, Semavi Siverek, Mehmet Tosmur, Ercan Siverek, and Yılmaz burak Bozkurt in connection with the case. The investigation remains ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge as the legal process unfolds.

Pro tip – Forensic analysis of hair samples can detect drug use over a longer period than blood tests, often up to 90 days.

The arrests highlight a continued effort by Turkish authorities to combat drug trafficking and use within the country, notably among high-profile individuals.

Reader question – What impact might these arrests have on İstanbul’s entertainment industry and public perception? Share your thoughts.

The case has quickly drawn attention, raising questions about drug use within İstanbul’s entertainment and business circl