Brazilian Influencer Arrested After Manhunt for Drug Trafficking

A Brazilian influencer, known for her bikini-clad social media presence, has been arrested following a manhunt for her alleged role as a kingpin in a drug trafficking and money laundering operation. Melissa Said, 23, was apprehended on Thursday after eluding authorities since police raids on her properties in northeast Brazil earlier in the week. The operation, which took place on Wednesday, involved the Bahia Civil Police and resulted in the seizure of significant amounts of illegal drugs.

Authorities began their investigation into Said in 2024 after she was reportedly found with drugs at an airport. She is accused of promoting drug use on social media and advising followers on how to evade law enforcement. Investigators claim she actively facilitated the smuggling of cannabis between Bahia and São Paulo.

In a coordinated effort dubbed “Operation Erva Afetiva,” which translates to “weed-loving,” police raided five of Said’s properties and arrested three accomplices. During the raids, officers seized 1.4 kilograms of “skank” marijuana, 270 grams of hashish, digital scales, plastic bags, and two vehicles suspected of being used in criminal activities. The identity of one accomplice remains undisclosed, while another has been charged with drug trafficking.

Said was eventually located at a friend’s house in Bahia after intensive surveillance. Following her arrest, she is set to undergo questioning with her legal counsel, a forensic exam, and will remain in custody pending a hearing. If convicted, she could face a prison sentence of up to 25 years.

The Director of the State Department for Prevention and Suppression of Drug Trafficking, Ernandes Junior, emphasized the operation’s focus on combatting drug trafficking, stating, “The objective of this operation is to combat drug trafficking, with the main target being a digital influencer who promotes crime.” He noted that Said’s activities extended beyond promotion, alleging she also engaged in the sales and distribution of narcotics.

In her final Instagram post on October 2, 2023, Said discussed marijuana legalization while appearing to smoke what seemed to be a joint. Her online presence had previously garnered over 340,000 followers, and she was known for her activism advocating for cannabis legalization.

Said tragically lost her husband, fellow influencer Tássio Bacelar, in a bicycle accident in October 2023, adding a personal dimension to her public persona. As the investigation continues, authorities are closely monitoring the influence of social media on criminal activities, particularly in relation to drug promotion and trafficking.