She built her online fame by promoting cannabis and sharing her lavish lifestyle — but now, Brazilian influencer Melissa Said is under arrest following a statewide manhunt. The 23-year-old Brazilian influencer with hundreds of thousands of followers was captured by police after days on the run from drug trafficking and money laundering charges.

According to the New York Post, Melissa Said was arrested in Bahia on Thursday after an extensive search that began when authorities raided five of her properties in a coordinated operation. The popular social media personality was accused of leading an interstate network involved in cannabis distribution and financial crimes.

Police allege that Said, known for glamorizing cannabis culture online, used her influence to promote and facilitate illegal drug transport between Bahia and São Paulo. Investigators believe the influencer’s seemingly carefree online persona masked her role in organizing a sophisticated drug enterprise.

Operation targets influencer-led network

The arrest followed “Operation Erva Afetiva,” named after a phrase meaning “weed-loving” that Said also used in her Instagram bio. Authorities said the operation aimed to dismantle a group suspected of distributing marijuana and laundering proceeds through various channels. Three individuals, including one charged with trafficking, were taken into custody alongside the influencer.

Investigators seized more than 1.4 kilograms of marijuana, 270 grams of hashish, digital scales, packaging materials, communication devices, and two vehicles allegedly used in the criminal activity. Police have not publicly identified one of the three detained suspects.

Officials from Bahia’s Civil Police said the operation was months in the making and involved surveillance, coordination with other state departments, and digital intelligence-gathering efforts focused on Said’s online behavior.

How the investigation began

Police said the inquiry into Said’s activities began in 2024, when she was reportedly detained at an airport for carrying drugs. Subsequent evidence suggested she may have advised her online followers on how to evade detection while transporting narcotics.

Investigators also accused the influencer of distributing “kits” containing marijuana joints as part of social media promotions intended to boost her online engagement. Authorities said these acts linked her directly to the commercial and logistical side of the cannabis trade.

The raids across Bahia were launched Wednesday after her alleged associates were tracked through a string of digital and financial transactions. Despite the sweep, Said initially escaped arrest before being found the following day.

Capture ends days-long manhunt

Said was discovered hiding at a friend’s residence in Bahia after police tracked her movements using intelligence and communication data. Her arrest ended a statewide search that drew widespread attention across Brazil’s social media landscape.

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

Officials allege that Said not only normalized drug consumption on social media but also coordinated direct sales and distribution between regions. Police said at least one of her suppliers was based in São Paulo.

Lessons to Learn

1. Be cautious about influencers who promote illegal activity. It's easy to fall for a charismatic online persona, but even public figures can be involved in harmful or illegal behavior. Don't assume legitimacy based on follower count or polished content.

2. Understand how criminals can use social media to facilitate illegal enterprises. Whether promoting products, offering advice, or glamorizing risky lifestyles, platforms like Instagram can serve as tools for crimes, including drug trafficking and money laundering.

3. Stay aware and report suspicious behavior. If you notice someone online encouraging illegal activity or supplying questionable items, report it to the platform or the proper authorities. Of course, no matter how careful someone is, crime can happen to anyone, and victims should never be blamed.

Why This Story Matters

This story highlights how criminal networks can operate under the guise of popular online personas. It underlines the growing role social media plays in enabling illegal activity and the challenges law enforcement faces in combating digital-age crime. For the community, it also raises important conversations around the normalization of drug use, particularly when influencers use their platform to target younger, impressionable audiences. It stresses the need for digital responsibility and stronger oversight in online spaces. As law enforcement continues to adapt, stories like this serve as a reminder that platforms influence more than just consumer behavior — they can actively shape real-world legal consequences.

In conclusion, Brazilian influencer Melissa Said, known for her cannabis advocacy and large online following, was arrested in Bahia after a manhunt linked her to a marijuana smuggling and money laundering operation that spanned Bahia and São Paulo. Police raids on her properties led to multiple arrests and drug seizures, and Said is now facing serious charges that could send her to prison for decades. Her case illustrates the modern intersection of social media and organized crime, showing how a public platform can be exploited to discreetly support illegal activity.