A former Florida deputy is facing serious charges after being accused of drug trafficking. Francisco Melo, a Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office deputy, was arrested last week on allegations of smuggling narcotics onto a Royal Caribbean cruise. Police say Melo planned to sell MDMA, also known as ecstasy or “molly,” disguised in Skittles packets at an electronic dance music festival onboard.
According to authorities, a confidential informant went undercover and purchased drugs from Melo, revealing his plans. Police learned that Melo intended to board a cruise ship heading to an EDM festival, where he would distribute the drugs.
Detectives apprehended Melo just before he was set to board the cruise. A search of his luggage uncovered 60 MDMA pills, which were consistent with the ones the informant had previously bought from him.
Miami-Dade Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz, who has worked for the department for three years, expressed her disappointment in Melo’s actions. She emphasized that narcotics not only harm individuals but also tear apart families and contribute to crime. Melo’s actions, she said, represent a profound betrayal of public trust.
After his arrest, local reporters attempted to interview Melo, but he fled the scene as they questioned him about the accusations.
