A sheriff’s deputy from Florida was taken into custody recently while he was getting ready to embark on a cruise ship, where authorities allege he intended to distribute ecstasy that he had concealed in Skittles packages.
The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office revealed that in December, a confidential source purchased pills from Francisco Melo, aged 36, and found out that he was set to sail on a Royal Caribbean Groove Cruise. This cruise was hosting an electronic dance music festival where Melo allegedly planned to sell the pills, as per WSVN’s report.
Melo was apprehended at PortMiami as he was preparing to board the Allure of the Seas ship on a Thursday morning. The vessel had been exclusively chartered for a four-day music festival, as stated by WTMJ. Upon inspecting his bag, authorities discovered 60 MDMA pills, commonly referred to as ecstasy or molly, which matched the pills obtained by the informant.
Miami-Dade Sheriff Rosie Cordero=Stutz said she was disappointed in Melo’s arrest.
“Narcotics don’t just harm those who use them, they devastate families, and fuel crime. No one is above the law, and this office will not tolerate criminal behavior from anyone, especially those entrusted to enforce it,” she said. “The actions of this individual are a betrayal of the public trust and of all the deputies who work tirelessly to protect our community.”
Melo refused to talk with detectives after his arrest and was released on a $25,000 bond on Friday after being charged with possession, sale, and trafficking of a controlled substance. WTMJ said that he had been with the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office for six years and was relieved of duty after his arrest.
