Eight-month investigation involved law enforcement agencies in Wayne, Pierce and Long counties
JESUP, Ga. — An eight-month investigation involving law enforcement agencies across three Southeast Georgia counties has resulted in multiple arrests, the closure of four vape shops and the seizure of vehicles, weapons and alleged contraband.
According to the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, authorities simultaneously executed eight search warrants on Sept. 21 at businesses in Jesup, Blackshear and Ludowici. The operation involved the Wayne, Pierce and Long county sheriff’s offices along with the Georgia Department of Agriculture’s Law Enforcement Division.
Authorities said the search warrants were the result of an investigation that had been underway for approximately eight months. Four vape shops were targeted in the operation, and investigators allege the businesses were selling illegal products. All four stores were subsequently closed. The Wayne County Sheriff’s Office said multiple vehicles, weapons and other alleged contraband were seized during the operation. Several arrests have also been made, and authorities said additional arrests are possible as the investigation continues.
Law enforcement has not yet publicly released several significant details about the investigation. As of Thursday, officials had not identified those arrested, announced the specific charges filed or detailed exactly what products investigators allege were being illegally sold.
Because those details have not been released, Hazlehurst Now is not identifying the alleged contraband as THC products, marijuana or any other particular substance. Authorities also have not publicly explained why eight search warrants were executed in connection with the four businesses.
The Wayne County Sheriff’s Office indicated the investigation remains ongoing, meaning additional information — including further arrests — could be released.
The involvement of the Georgia Department of Agriculture’s Law Enforcement Division is notable because the agency has regulatory and enforcement responsibilities involving Georgia’s hemp industry, among other areas. However, authorities have not yet specified what role hemp or hemp-derived products, if any, played in this particular investigation.
Hazlehurst Now will continue to follow the case as law enforcement releases additional information about the arrests, charges and items seized.
