ISTANBUL, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- Turkish authorities launched a major drug crackdown in Istanbul on Wednesday, targeting prominent singers, actors, and social media influencers, according to state media.

In a pre-dawn operation carried out by the Istanbul Provincial Gendarmerie Command, 12 high-profile figures were taken to the gendarmerie to have their statements recorded and blood samples collected, the TRT broadcaster reported.

The operation revealed that the celebrities would face charges related to drug use and encouraging drug use.

Türkiye has stepped up its efforts to combat drug use and trafficking with a series of operations, including heightened border inspections and nationwide crackdowns, resulting in significant seizures and the detention of thousands of suspects.

In three separate operations carried out by the Trade Ministry's Customs Enforcement Directorate at the Gurbulak border gate with Iran, the Kapikule border gate with Bulgaria, and the Dilucu border gate with Armenia, 1.3 tonnes of narcotics were seized on Wednesday.

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya stated in August that, since the current cabinet assumed office in June 2023, a total of 81,467 suspects have been arrested in nationwide anti-narcotics operations. In addition, security forces have seized or destroyed 211 tonnes of drugs, 213 million narcotic pills, and 313 million cannabis plants. Enditem