Pro-Cannabis Brazilian Influencer Arrested For Allegedly Leading Drug Trafficking Ring

Last Updated:October 24, 2025, 17:38 IST

Police accused her of being the leader of an interstate gang involved in the distribution of cannabis and illegal financial operations across Bahia and other regions of Brazil

Melissa Said, 23, who has more than 3,50,000 followers on Instagram, was detained on Thursday. (Screengrab via Instagram/melissasaid)

A Brazilian social media influencer known for openly supporting cannabis legalisation has been arrested for allegedly heading a major drug trafficking and money laundering network.

Melissa Said, 23, who has more than 3,50 ,000 followers on Instagram, was detained on Thursday after being on the run for a day. Police accused her of being the leader of an interstate gang involved in the distribution of cannabis and illegal financial operations across Bahia and other regions of Brazil.

According to the New York Post, citing Brazilian news outlet Correio, Said was discovered hiding at a friend’s house in Bahia after an extensive surveillance operation. Her arrest came after officers raided five of her properties as part of “Operation Erva Afetiva" — translated as “weed-loving", the same phrase used in her Instagram bio.

The raids, carried out by the Bahia Civil Police, led to the arrest of three other suspects. Officers seized 1.4 kilograms of high-grade marijuana (known locally as skank), 270 grams of hashish, as well as smaller portions of cannabis, digital weighing scales, mobile phones, bank cards, and two vehicles believed to have been used in the criminal activities.

Police said Said had been under investigation since last year after she was reportedly caught with drugs at an airport. She was also accused of encouraging followers to evade police during drug transport and of promoting herself by handing out cannabis “kits" containing joints on the streets.

“It was discovered that in addition to promoting crime and drug use, she also sells and distributes narcotics in Bahia, with some people from Sao Paulo as one of her suppliers," said Ernandes Junior, director of the State Department for Prevention and Suppression of Drug Trafficking.

If convicted, she could face up to 25 years in prison. Police said she will be interrogated alongside her lawyer, undergo a forensic examination, and remain in custody until her court hearing.

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