Hiding In Plain Sight: "Weed-Loving" Brazilian Influencer Arrested For Allegedly Being The Queen of a Massive Drug Trafficking Ring

I know everyone is knee deep in the recent NBA gambling scandal, but I've got another one to temporarily shift our attention towards. Melissa Said, a popular Brazilian influencer who frequently advocates for the legalization of weed, has been arrested following a man hunt after it was alleged she is the queen behind a massive drug trafficking ring.  

(NY Post) A fugitive, bikini-clad Brazilian influencer has been arrested after being accused of being the queen of an interstate drug-running and money laundering operation.

Melissa Said — who boasts more than 340,000 Instagram followers — had been on the run since Wednesday when five of her properties were raided by the Bahia Civil Police in northeast Brazil, according to the Brazilian news outlet Correio.

The 23-year-old social media star was the suspected leader of a major criminal gang involved with cannabis distribution and money laundering. She is accused of actively facilitating and encouraging the smuggling of illegal substances in Bahia and São Paulo.

It's the perfect crime. Gain notoriety online for being a hot female advocate for weed...

And secretly head up a giant drug trafficking ring. A little hide in plain sight action, allegedly of course. 

Police launched their investigation into the influencer in 2024 after she was allegedly caught with drugs at an airport, accused of advising her followers on how to evade law enforcement during drug transport, and promoting herself by handing out “kits” containing joints on the streets.

I'm sure none of this looks great for Melissa, but I believe here. Sounds like a witch hunt to me, but what do I know? Hoping all the best for a fair and honest trial.