BAHIA, BRAZIL — A third Latin-American influencer has now found herself in trouble with the law, shortly after the arrests of Izabele Paiva and Vanessa Gurallo recently.
Brazilian digital influencer Melissa Said, a social media star with a substantial following, has been arrested by Civil Police in Salvador. The 23-year-old, known for her lifestyle content, was captured in the Itapuã neighborhood, ending her time as a fugitive. She is accused of masterminding a major criminal enterprise involving interstate drug trafficking and money laundering.
Operation Erva Afetiva: The Fugitive's Capture
Said's arrest is the culmination of Operation Erva Afetiva, a large-scale law enforcement initiative launched in 2024. The multi-state probe led to the issuance of three arrest warrants and ten search-and-seizure warrants executed across properties in Salvador and São Paulo. Police identify Said as the group's alleged organizer, stating she managed drug supply routes between the two major Brazilian states. Said, who once boasted over 300,000 followers, was considered a fugitive before her capture. The operation had previously led to the apprehension of two other men in the Salvador Metropolitan Region.
Using Social Reach for Illicit Trade
Authorities allege the influencer used her Instagram account, which has since peaked at over 370,000 followers, as a core asset for the illegal network, rather than solely for personal promotion. Police claim Said actively encouraged drug use, specifically marijuana, and reportedly offered followers advice on how to smuggle controlled substances past police checkpoints. Furthermore, she is accused of directly facilitating the sale and distribution of narcotics. Law enforcement also cited a prior incident where she was detained at an airport for drug possession. In a reported act of self-promotion, the influencer is alleged to have distributed promotional "kits" containing marijuana cigarettes on the streets during the Christmas season.
Watch our video on when Smuggling Attempts Go Wrong below:
