Brazilian Social Media Influencer Turns Out to Be a Cartel Member

24.10.2025 - 15:16

Brazilian social media sensation Melissa Said, who boasts over 350,000 followers on Instagram, has been detained in a drug operation. The 23-year-old influencer, who has reportedly been on the run from the police and frequently changing locations for the past three days, was apprehended in her hideout in Sao Paulo. It is alleged that the popular figure has close ties with a drug cartel and is encouraging drug use among young people through her posts. There are talks that Melissa Said could face a prison sentence of up to 20 years.

In a drug operation dubbed "Operação Era" (Operation Era) by the Brazilian police, a social media influencer was also taken into custody.

Since 2021, social media sensation Melissa Said, who has been under police surveillance and has been continually changing her location to hide over the past three days since the operation began, was apprehended in the capital city of Sao Paulo.

It has been reported that the celebrity is suspected of having close ties with a drug cartel and is accused of promoting the cartel's luxurious lifestyle on social media, thereby enhancing the allure of drug trafficking.

Melissa Said, a social media sensation with over 350,000 followers on Instagram, could face up to 20 years in prison if found guilty of the charges.