Brazilian Influencer Arrested in Major Drug Trafficking Bust

On October 24, 2025, Brazilian social media influencer Melissa Said, 23, was arrested after a police manhunt for her alleged role as the leader of a major drug trafficking and money laundering network. Said, who has over 351,000 followers on Instagram, was captured while hiding at a friend's home in Bahia.

The arrest followed days of intensive surveillance by the Bahia Civil Police, who had earlier raided five of Said's properties as part of "Operation Erva Afetiva". During the raids, authorities seized 1.4 kilograms of marijuana, 270 grams of hashish, digital scales, packaging materials, phones, bank cards, and two vehicles believed to be linked to the operation. Three other suspects were also arrested.

The investigation into Said began in 2024, when she was allegedly caught with drugs at an airport. Authorities claim she encouraged her followers to evade police checks during drug transport and promoted her brand by distributing "kits" containing cannabis joints. Known for her activism promoting cannabis legalization, Said initially evaded capture during the raids but was eventually apprehended on Thursday.

"The objective of this operation is to combat drug trafficking, with the main target being a digital influencer who promotes crime," said Ernandes Junior, the director of the State Department for Prevention and Suppression of Drug Trafficking.