The cousin of an AK Party deputy has been detained, and a statement has come from Aydın Ayaydın: We are very surprised.

16.01.2026 14:21

Mert Ayaydın, who is the cousin of AK Party Deputy Derya Ayaydın and the nephew of AK Party politician Aydın Ayaydın, was detained in the drug investigation conducted by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office. Aydın Ayaydın, who made a statement on the matter, said, "We do not fully understand what is happening regarding this issue; I am very shocked."

A new development has emerged regarding the 18 people who have been detained in the drug investigation involving celebrities. It has been learned that AK Party Member of Parliament Derya Ayaydın's cousin and AK Party member Aydın Ayaydın's nephew Mert Ayaydın has also been detained.

MERT AYAYDIN AT THE COURTHOUSE

According to journalist Burak Doğan, Mert Ayaydın is currently at the courthouse and will be giving his statement.

FIRST STATEMENT FROM AYDIN AYAYDIN

Speaking to Odatv, Aydın Ayaydın expressed his great surprise and said the following: "I am surprised, I learned this from you. This child has been studying abroad for a long time, he is a clean and cultured person. He doesn't even smoke. So he has not yet been referred to the prosecutor's office at the security stage. We are also following the process. Such things have not been seen in our family. No explanation has been made regarding the reason for the detention. We do not fully understand what is happening regarding this issue, I am very surprised," he said.

WHAT HAPPENED?

In an operation organized by the Istanbul Police Department's Organized Crime Unit and the Narcotics Crime Unit, 18 people, including Ümit Karan, were detained. After completing their procedures at the police station, the 18 individuals were referred to the courthouse.