Foreign Defendant in a Drug Case in Türkiye: Deportation

Savun Law & Consultancy · Updated 30 October 2026

Foreign nationals involved in a drug offence in Türkiye face a two-sided process, covering both the criminal proceedings and the law on foreigners. The subject is covered below for information purposes.

⚖️ Criminal Proceedings

Foreign defendants are tried in Turkish courts under the same rules as Turkish citizens. The foreigner's basic defence rightsTR apply in this process; the right of a defendant who does not speak Turkish to a free interpreter is especially important.

🛂 Deportation

Drug offences may be treated as grounds for deportation under the law on foreigners. After the criminal trial and the enforcement of the sentence, or in cases set out in the legislation, the administrative authorities may issue a deportation decision about the foreigner. This decision is an administrative act, separate from the criminal process.

In short: A foreign defendant is subject to criminal proceedings; in addition, a drug offence may be a ground for deportation. The two processes (criminal and administrative) are separate from each other.

🛡️ From the Defence Side

The defence requires the criminal case and the possible deportation procedure to be assessed together. Use of the right to an interpreter is particularly important for the effectiveness of the defence. The administrative court route may also come into play against a deportation decision.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

How is a foreign defendant tried?

Foreigners are tried in Turkish courts under the same rules; a defendant who does not speak Turkish benefits from a free interpreter.

Is a drug offence a ground for deportation?

Drug offences may be treated as grounds for deportation under the law on foreigners; the decision is issued by the administrative authorities.

Can a deportation decision be challenged?

An application to the administrative courts may come into play against a deportation decision; the process follows the nature of the administrative act.

Does the defendant pay the interpreter's fee?

The use of an interpreter by a defendant who does not speak Turkish is a basic right, and the exercise of this right is guaranteed.

For detailed information and legal support, you can contact Savun Law & Consultancy.

The information in this article is for general information purposes and may change in line with current legislation. Each case is unique.

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