Brazilian influencer Melissa Said caught after manhunt over allegedly running ‘drug trafficking ring’
A Brazilian influencer, Melissa Said, known for her provocative Instagram posts and advocacy for cannabis legalization, has recently made headlines for all the wrong reasons. The 23-year-old social media star was arrested after being accused of leading an interstate drug-running and money laundering operation in Brazil.
Said, who has over 340K Instagram followers, had been on the run since Wednesday when the Bahia Civil Police raided five of her properties in northeast Brazil. She was suspected of being the mastermind behind a major criminal gang involved in the distribution of cannabis and money laundering activities between Bahia and São Paulo.
The influencer was finally apprehended while hiding at a friend’s house in Bahia, following an extensive surveillance and intelligence operation by the authorities. The police investigation into Said began in 2024 after she was allegedly caught with drugs at an airport, accused of advising her followers on how to evade law enforcement during drug transport, and promoting drug use by distributing “kits” containing joints on the streets.
The raids dubbed “Operation Erva Afetiva” resulted in the arrest of three suspected accomplices, with one of them charged with drug trafficking after police seized 1.4 kilograms of marijuana and 270 grams of hashish. Additionally, the police recovered digital scales, plastic bags, cell phones, bank cards, and two vehicles believed to be involved in criminal activities.
While the authorities have not disclosed the identity of the third individual taken into custody, Said’s arrest marks a significant development in the ongoing investigation into her alleged involvement in drug trafficking. If convicted, she could face up to 25 years in prison.
Despite her activism for cannabis legalization, Said is now facing serious criminal charges that could have far-reaching consequences for her future. The influencer is scheduled to undergo questioning with her lawyer before her custody hearing, as the investigation continues to unfold.
In her last Instagram video posted on Oct. 2, Said discussed the legalization of marijuana while seemingly smoking a joint, showcasing her unwavering support for the cause. It is worth noting that Said was previously married to influencer Tássio Bacelar, who tragically passed away in a bicycle accident in October 2023.
As the legal proceedings against Said progress, the public awaits further updates on this high-profile case that has captured the attention of social media users and law enforcement agencies alike.
