A former Miss Turkey has reportedly been detained as part of a major anti-drug operation.
Ayşe Hatun Önal was among 23 people detained during raids at several addresses in the early hours of Thursday (11 Jun).
The suspects are variously accused of “possessing drugs or stimulants for personal use”, “facilitating drug use”, or “encouraging prostitution, acting as intermediaries, or providing venues”.
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The investigation is being carried out by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office’s Bureau of Smuggling, Narcotics and Economic Crimes.
Evidence was allegedly obtained through social media posts, alongside technical and physical surveillance.
Önal, 47, was reportedly taken to the police station to give a statement.
Among the other well-known figures taken to the police station as part of the operation were Kenan Doğulu, Beren Saat, Enis Arıkan, Keremcan Durmaz, Selin Ciğerci, and Berdan Mardini, all prominent names from the entertainment, television, and social media world.
Two suspects have been placed under house arrest, while Önal is among several slapped with judicial control measures, including a travel ban abroad.
Önal, originally from Adana, enrolled in Anadolu University’s Public Relations Department after finishing school, but later discontinued her studies.
She first rose to fame after being crowned Miss Turkey in 1999, as reported by Need To Know.
She went on to represent Turkey at Miss World the same year before building a career in modelling and music.
She released a string of well-known pop and electronic hits in Turkey, earning various awards and nominations.
She has also acted in films, mini-series and commercials.
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