Fenerbahçe president Sadetin Saran has been detained in Istanbul as part of an expanded drug investigation involving prominent figures from the entertainment and media worlds.
Saran, a Turkish and American citizen, was detained just hours after forensic tests revealed traces of narcotics in his hair samples, state television TRT reported.
He was called to testify last Sunday and was sent to a forensic facility to provide hair and blood samples.
Since the beginning of the month, dozens of people have been detained as part of an investigation overseen by the Istanbul Chief Prosecutor's Office.
Among them are TV presenters, journalists, singers, actors, and social media influencers. They face charges ranging from drug production and trafficking to prostitution. Many have had blood and hair samples taken for drug testing.
Saran, who was elected president of Fenerbahçe in September, was questioned last week on suspicion of supplying and facilitating the use of narcotics.
The Istanbul club has supported Saran and is assuring fans that the club's operations will continue without interruption.
"We have full confidence that our president will overcome this process with the same common sense and courage that he has always shown. Our president, Mr. Sadetin Saran, will leave these days behind and continue to work resolutely for our club," the statement said.
Earlier today, Saran dismissed the results, said he had never taken the drug in question and announced that he would seek new testing.
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