Petlas owner Abdulkadir Özcan detained in Ankara drug and prostitution operation

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Ankara police detained Petlas owner Abdulkadir Özcan in an operation targeting drug and prostitution networks. Officers seized 175.45 grams of a substance initially assessed as cannabis at his residence and sent it for criminal testing. The detention follows Özcan's blacklisting by Turkish Airlines after a viral in-flight outburst in December 2024.
Key Facts
- Ankara police detained 18 of 26 suspects named in arrest warrants during the operation.
- A search of Abdulkadir Özcan's residence yielded 175.45 grams of a substance initially assessed as cannabis.
- Turkish Airlines blacklisted Özcan after a December 2024 Dubai–Istanbul flight incident.
- Eight suspects remain at large.
- Turkish Airlines said Özcan caused a disturbance and verbally assaulted crew and passengers.
Ankara Police Operation
Ankara Police Department narcotics teams detained 18 of 26 suspects named in warrants as part of the drug and prostitution investigation. Abdulkadir Özcan, owner of Petlas, was among those taken into custody. A search of Özcan's residence yielded 175.45 grams of a substance initially assessed as cannabis. Officers sent the seized material for criminal testing to confirm its exact composition. Efforts to capture the remaining eight suspects were continuing.
Turkish Airlines Blacklist
Özcan gained public attention in December 2024 during a Turkish Airlines Dubai–Istanbul flight. Video showed him telling cabin crew and passengers, "Do you know who I am? I am a billionaire. I can buy Turkey." Turkish Airlines said Özcan caused a disturbance and verbally assaulted crew and passengers. After the flight, Özcan was handed over to law enforcement and added to the carrier's no-fly list. The incident drew widespread criticism on social media.