World · Middle East · 12 hrs ago
Turkey detains 15 in investigation into relabelled cancer drugs
Turkish police detained 15 people in a second operation in an investigation into expired cancer drugs.
Investigators say the drugs were put in new packaging with new leaflets to make them appear unexpired.
The medicines were allegedly sold in Turkey and abroad.
The investigation is being led by the Bakırköy Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, and the latest operation covered Istanbul, Antalya and Kayseri.
Police searched 18 homes and three businesses and were authorised to seize evidence.
The case began with a first operation on November 2, targeting 24 suspects and five businesses across 11 provinces.
Investigators identified the additional suspects and businesses after reviewing seized digital material and a financial crimes report.
Turkish authorities detained 15 people in an investigation into expired cancer drugs allegedly repackaged and sold as if they were still in date.
The investigation concerns sales inside Turkey and abroad.
The suspects were identified after authorities examined digital materials seized in an earlier operation and a financial crimes report.
Police carried out simultaneous operations in Istanbul, Antalya and Kayseri.
Authorities also ordered searches and the seizure of evidence at 18 homes and three businesses.
- Who
- Turkish police detained 15 suspects. Authorities say they are believed to be linked to a criminal organisation.
- What
- The investigation concerns expired cancer drugs allegedly repackaged with new boxes and leaflets to appear in date, then sold.
- When
- The operation followed an earlier operation on 2 November. The report was published on 9 November 2026.
- Where
- Istanbul, Antalya and Kayseri, Turkey.
- Why
- Authorities are investigating the alleged sale of expired cancer drugs as if they were still in date, in Turkey and abroad.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Authorities carried out an earlier operation targeting 24 suspects and five businesses in 11 provinces.
Investigators examined seized digital materials and a report by Turkey’s Financial Crimes Investigation Board, then identified 15 more suspects and three businesses.
Police conducted simultaneous operations in Istanbul, Antalya and Kayseri to detain 15 suspects and seize evidence.
- People detained
- 15 suspects
- Earlier operation
- 2 November; 24 suspects and 5 businesses in 11 provinces
- Latest operation
- 18 homes and 3 businesses targeted
- Locations
- Istanbul, Antalya and Kayseri
- Investigation
- Alleged repackaging and sale of expired cancer drugs in Turkey and abroad