Brazilian influencer Melissa Said breaks silence after she’s arrested, accused of being drug trafficking queen

The arrest of bikini-clad Instagram influencer Melissa Said has shocked her 376,000 followers as she faces accusations of being involved in a drug trafficking ring. Said, who is known for her glamorous shots of smoking marijuana on social media, denied any affiliation with the alleged smuggling network, calling her arrest a “shame.”

The 23-year-old influencer was arrested in Bahia, Brazil, after a long investigation named Operation Erva Afectiva. Police raided five of her properties and uncovered evidence of suspicious financial transactions. During the operation, authorities seized three pounds of cannabis and a half pound of hashish, along with other drug-related paraphernalia.

Said, who promotes hemp-related products on her Instagram account, faces up to 25 years in prison if found guilty. She has been accused of advising followers on how to evade law enforcement while transporting drugs and promoting the distribution of marijuana kits on the streets.

Despite her arrest, Said continues to advocate for the legalization of marijuana in Brazil, where the sale of the drug is illegal. Possession and cultivation for personal use have been decriminalized by the Brazilian Supreme Court since 2006.

The investigation into Said’s alleged involvement in drug trafficking began in 2024 when she was reportedly caught with drugs at an airport. Authorities believe she has been facilitating the smuggling of illegal substances between Bahia and São Paulo.

Said was found hiding at a friend’s home in Salvador, Bahia, during the police operation. At least four other suspects were arrested in connection with the drug trafficking ring, with one being charged specifically for trafficking “skank” cannabis.

Despite her denial of any wrongdoing, authorities claim that Said was identified as a buyer who distributed drugs to individuals she contacted through social media. She is currently awaiting trial and underwent a forensic examination after being questioned by a special police drug force.

The case of Melissa Said highlights the complex intersection between social media influence and criminal activity, raising questions about the role of influencers in promoting illegal behavior. As the investigation unfolds, the true extent of Said’s involvement in the drug trafficking ring will come to light.