A Miami-Dade sheriff’s deputy was arrested last Thursday after authorities reportedly discovered methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), commonly known as ecstasy or molly, hidden in his luggage.
Francisco Melo, who had served as a deputy for six years, was previously implicated in selling illegal narcotics. Authorities say a sting operation involving a fake buyer led to the purchase of 12 MDMA pills from Melo for $240 on December 20, 2024.
Ongoing Investigation
Following the sale, investigators learned Melo had booked a January 23 cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas. According to WSVN-TV’s report, detectives discovered he was planning to sell narcotics during its privately hosted four-day Groove Cruise, a festival celebrating electronic dance music.
As Melo boarded the vessel in PortMiami, drug detection K9 dogs sniffed his luggage and alerted authorities to the presence of illicit substances. The search revealed 60 pills concealed in five packs of Skittles. The pills matched the ones Melo had sold last December.
“No One Is Above the Law”
The police officer was subsequently charged with the possession, sale, and trafficking of a controlled substance. He was also relieved of his duties as a sheriff’s deputy. Miami-Dade Circuit Court Judge Mindy Glazer set his bond at $20,000.
The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office described the arrest as a collaborative effort between their agency, the Miami-Dade State Attorney Office’s Public Corruption Prosecution Unit, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz publicly acknowledged the case, saying, “I am disappointed to inform you that one of my deputies has been arrested for trafficking a controlled substance.”
Cordero-Stutz went on to emphasize the department’s commitment to accountability, “No one is above the law, and this office will not tolerate criminal behavior from anyone, especially those entrusted to enforce it. The actions of this individual are a betrayal of the public trust and of all the deputies who work tirelessly to protect our community.”
Though most cruise lines adopt zero-tolerance policies against illicit substances, they have not prevented passengers from trying to bring them on board. In November 2023, a female guest was banned for life after Carnival Cruise Line found cannabidiol (CBD) gummies in her bag.
Meanwhile, a couple was apprehended in January 2024 for trying to board a Norwegian Cruise Line vessel while carrying almost 160 pounds of marijuana.
