Florida Deputy Arrested for Smuggling MDMA Pills in Skittles Bags Ahead of Cruise Departure

A Miami-Dade County deputy was arrested last Thursday after attempting to smuggle 60 MDMA pills, commonly known as ecstasy or molly, onto a cruise ship by hiding them inside bags of Skittles candy.

Francisco Melo, 36, a six-year veteran of the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office, is now facing multiple charges, including possession, sale, and trafficking of a controlled substance. His bond has been set at $25,000.

The Investigation and Arrest

The case began in December 2024 when law enforcement officers received a tip that Melo was suspected of being involved in narcotics trafficking. The Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office initiated an investigation, leading to the use of a confidential informant. The informant successfully arranged a purchase of MDMA from Melo, buying 12 pills for $240. This transaction provided crucial evidence that Melo was dealing drugs.

The investigation culminated in Melo’s arrest on January 23, 2025, when authorities learned that he was planning to board the Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas cruise ship at Port Miami. The tipster informed authorities that Melo intended to smuggle MDMA aboard the ship by hiding the pills in bags of Skittles.

Skittles Bags Concealed 60 Pills

When Melo arrived at the cruise terminal, a K9 unit sniffed out the drugs in his luggage. Inside his bags, officers discovered six Skittles candy bags, five of which contained a total of 60 MDMA pills, weighing 35 grams. Authorities later confirmed that the pills in his possession matched the same shape, color, and size as those previously sold to the informant.

Charges and Consequences

Melo was immediately arrested and booked into the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center. In addition to the charges of possession, sale, and trafficking of MDMA, Melo has been relieved of his duties as a deputy with the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office.

MDMA, often sold under the street names "ecstasy" or "molly," is a powerful psychoactive drug that is commonly associated with the rave and party scene. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), MDMA is both a stimulant and a psychedelic, producing effects such as heightened energy, altered time perception, and emotional euphoria. However, the drug also carries significant health risks, including increased heart rate and blood pressure, which are common side effects of stimulants like cocaine and amphetamines.

The arrest has raised questions about trust within law enforcement agencies and the potential risks posed by deputies who misuse their authority. The Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office is conducting an internal review, while Melo awaits trial on the narcotics charges.

What Is MDMA?

Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is commonly known as "ecstasy" or "molly." It is often used recreationally for its effects on mood, energy levels, and sensory perception, but it carries serious risks, including dehydration, hyperthermia, and long-term mental health issues. The DEA has classified MDMA as a Schedule I controlled substance, indicating a high potential for abuse with no accepted medical use in treatment.

Get our free mobile app