Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J. Harper recently announced that a Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) Law Enforcement Operation conducted in DeKalb County resulted in the seizure of approximately $4.8 million in illegal hemp products.
Commissioner Harper expressed a zero-tolerance policy for those attempting to sell marijuana under pretenses. He then clarified his intention to maintain good-faith relations with hemp producers while pursuing bad actors.
“The Georgia Department of Agriculture has zero tolerance for those that attempt to sell marijuana falsely advertised as hemp or hemp products that are illegal under Georgia law,” said Commissioner Harper. “While we look forward to continuing to work closely with hemp license holders making good faith efforts to maintain compliance with state law, we will also continue to aggressively pursue bad actors who undermine public safety and put Georgians at risk.”
The Operation
The operation also resulted in multiple Felony trafficking charges and the seizure of 120 pounds of Marijuana. It remains an ongoing investigation, and additional charges are anticipated.
This operation was the culmination of an ongoing investigation into suspected hemp wholesalers allegedly selling illegal hemp products and marijuana.
GDA Law Enforcement Investigators executed a search warrant at a business warehouse located in DeKalb County and seized the heap of illegal products.
GDA Investigators were assisted by the DeKalb Police Department’s Narcotics and K9 units throughout the operation, and the Department expressed deep appreciation for that assistance. Multiple individuals were taken into custody and face trafficking charges.
For context, the GDA's Law Enforcement Division was reinstated by Commissioner Harper upon taking office and is crucial for enforcing agricultural laws and regulations. Empowered by statute, the Division tackles a wide range of issues, including animal cruelty, labor violations, drug trafficking, and agro-terrorism, while also enhancing security at state farmers' markets.
Its Emergency Management branch leads the Department's response to emergencies, ensuring a rapid and effective reaction to safeguard Georgia's agricultural community and public safety.
