Several Turkish celebrities summoned by authorities for blood tests in drugs probe

Several high-profile Turkish celebrities were summoned for questioning and blood tests on Wednesday as part of a drugs-related investigation, according to prosecutors.

The investigation, led by Istanbul's chief prosecutor, was launched into individuals suspected of "using narcotic or stimulant substances," the prosecutor's office said.

Those summoned by prosecutors include 19 public figures, including singers, actors, TV personalities and social media influencers.

The celebrities were expected to be freed after undergoing blood tests and providing statements, with prosecutors not planning arrests or charges at this stage, local media reported.

Turkish law covering the use of drugs enables authorities to order treatment, rehabilitation, or probation rather than prison time in cases involving personal use.

The investigation coincides with a broader crackdown on artists and opposition voices under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

Turkish pop singer Mabel Matiz is currently facing up to three years in prison over alleged "obscenity" in the lyrics of one of his songs. Prosecutors claim the song violates public morality laws.

The girl-band Manifest is also facing legal action for alleged "indecent acts" during a recent performance.

More broadly, Turkey has ramped up efforts to tackle drug use and trafficking in recent years.

In April, Turkish police detained 525 suspected drug dealers in the capital, Ankara, in what the government was the "biggest narcotics operation" in the country's history.