18.06.2026 16:50
In the drug investigation targeting celebrities based in Istanbul, 9 of the 23 detained individuals have been arrested. Famous singer Berdan Mardini, who was released under judicial supervision, defended himself in his statement, saying, "I have been famous since 2003. I have a 500-decare rose garden in Mardin, a factory, and a cosmetics brand. They want to sabotage my work due to my successes and family feuds. No drugs will be found in my blood."
The drug investigation launched by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office targeting celebrities continues to expand with new waves of operations. In the latest move within the scope of the investigation that has caused a great stir, 23 suspects, including many well-known names, were detained in an operation held on June 11.
9 OUT OF 23 SUSPECTS ARRESTED
Within the scope of the investigation carried out on charges of "possession of drugs or stimulants for use" and "facilitating drug use," 23 suspects, whose procedures at the police station were completed, were referred to the courthouse. While 9 of the suspects brought before the court were arrested and sent to prison, 16 people, including famous folk singer Berdan Mardini, were released under judicial control measures.
Among the arrested names are the following;
- Tolga Çam
- Murat Saygı
- Enis Ahmet Onat
- Emre Tari
- Hasan Vatan
- Reyhan Küçükyeğen
- Mehmet Yıldız
- Tessy Ramos Correira
- Rafet Eren Yorulmazer
BERDAN MARDINI'S STATEMENT REVEALED
Details have emerged of the statement made by famous singer Berdan Mardini, who was released under judicial control, during the prosecution and court phases. In his statement, Mardini categorically denied all allegations against him, stating that he does not use drugs and that nothing will show up in tests, saying: "I do not use any drugs. No drugs will be found in my blood or any of my body samples."
"I HAVE A 500-ACRE ROSE GARDEN AND A FACTORY"
Speaking about his commercial life and successes and arguing that the tip-off against him was an "assassination of reputation," the famous artist continued his statement with these words: "I became famous in 2003. I am an artist and singer. Additionally, I currently have a Rose damascena rose plant distillation factory in Mardin and 500 acres of rose gardens. I also own a cosmetics brand called Mardini Kozmetik that I manage. I believe the tip-off against me is due to my business activities and stems from previous family problems and hostility."
"I GAVE THE PHONE BUT THE PASSWORD..."
Stating that he handed over his phone to the teams when he was detained but did not share the password to protect the personal and commercial data inside, Mardini completed his defense with these words: "I voluntarily handed over my phone but did not want to give my password due to family and trade secrets. I believe I was detained due to hostility and am being subjected to such an investigation with the intent to sabotage my business due to my work."