Influencer Melissa Said Kept in Temporary Detention After Custody Hearing in Salvador

Overview

• The Denarc-led Operation Erva Afetiva executed 10 search warrants and five arrest warrants across Bahia and São Paulo on Oct. 22.
• Said was found on Oct. 23 at a friend's home in Itapuã after being sought by police, then taken to Denarc in Salvador for processing.
• Investigators accuse her of coordinating an interstate marijuana supply scheme and possible money laundering, along with advocacy of drug use under Brazilian law.
• Authorities say she used social platforms to resell cannabis to followers and once handed out marijuana “kits” during Christmas for self-promotion.
• Searches recovered small drug portions and a cellphone sent for forensic examination, with two arrests in Lauro de Freitas and two in São Paulo as inquiries continue to identify other participants.