03.02.2026 19:56
While Turkey is focused on drug operations targeting celebrities, the Keçiören Municipality in Ankara has initiated a highly controversial practice. Mayor Mesut Özarslan announced that all employees of the institution, including municipal council members, will undergo drug testing. Özarslan stated, "If there are those who lack self-confidence, have wounds, or feel uncomfortable, I will personally report them to the prosecutor's office and the police on my behalf. If there is a suspicious situation, the rest is a matter for our state."
The Mayor of Keçiören, Mesut Özarslan, made headlines with his statements regarding drug tests for municipal employees. Speaking at the February Ordinary Council Meeting, Özarslan stated that the tests are based on voluntary participation and announced that he would file a criminal complaint against those who do not participate in this practice.
"I WILL CLEARLY REPORT THOSE WHO DO NOT COMPLY WITH VOLUNTARINESS"
The February Ordinary Council Meeting of Keçiören Municipality was held under the chairmanship of Özarslan. Responding to an off-agenda question during the meeting, Özarslan used strong language regarding drug tests. Özarslan said, "We are conducting this work on the basis of voluntariness. However, I clearly declare here that I will report friends who do not comply with the principle of voluntariness to our state, our police, and our prosecutor's office. I don't care what punishment I receive in the end."
"I WILL NOT WORK WITH ANYONE WHO HAS BEEN INVOLVED WITH DRUGS"
Emphasizing a zero-tolerance approach to drug use, Özarslan stated, "I do not allow anyone who uses drugs, leads others to drugs, or is involved in this business to work in this institution under my presidency." He mentioned that their goal is not to punish but to identify the problem, saying, "If there is such a situation, let it come to light. Let them get their treatments, let’s see their sincerity, and then we can embrace them again. Our only aim is this."
"I WILL GO TO THE PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE MYSELF"
Continuing his statements, Özarslan made another controversial remark, saying, "If there are those who lack confidence, have wounds, or feel uneasy, I will personally report them to the prosecutor's office and the police on my behalf. If there is a suspicious situation, it is then a matter for our state."
"EVERYONE INCLUDING COUNCIL MEMBERS IS TAKING THE TEST"
Stressing their determination in the fight against drugs, Özarslan stated that the practice is not limited to personnel, saying, "We are doing this work including myself, my deputy mayors, and my council members. If any of my council members refrain from this, they should not even be my companions on this journey."
Mayor Özarslan claimed that drug use in Keçiören has decreased by 20% thanks to the implemented policies and expressed that they will continue their sensitivity on this issue.