UPDATE TO PREVIOUS ARTICLE BY HN:
An eight-month investigation into the sale of illegal THC products has resulted in several arrests and the seizure of a large quantity of products from smoke shops in three Southeast Georgia communities, according to the Georgia Department of Agriculture.
Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper announced Friday that several Yemeni nationals were arrested as part of the joint investigation involving the Georgia Department of Agriculture and sheriff’s offices in Wayne, Pierce and Long counties. Officials have not yet released the names of those arrested, the exact number taken into custody or the individual charges they face. (Georgia Department of Agriculture)
The operation was carried out Sept. 21, when officers simultaneously executed eight search warrants involving four retail smoke shops located in Jesup, Blackshear and Ludowici. According to the Department of Agriculture, all four stores are owned by Yemeni nationals.
The latest release provides considerably more information about the products investigators say were being sold inside the stores. GDA says officers found illegal products ranging from marijuana allegedly being sold as “hemp flower” to THCA products that the state says were outlawed in Georgia under Senate Bill 494. (Georgia Department of Agriculture)
The department also released photographs showing what it identified as marijuana sold as hemp flower and various illegal THCA products seized during the investigation. Harper said the state has “zero tolerance” for the sale of illegal THC products and praised the officers and local sheriff’s offices involved in the investigation.
He said enforcement efforts will continue against those violating the law while supporting legitimate retailers, growers and processors who follow state requirements designed to ensure products are tested, accurately labeled and not sold to children. (Georgia Department of Agriculture)
The operation follows an investigation that authorities say lasted approximately eight months before the warrants were served. The Georgia Department of Agriculture says the case remains active and that additional information will be released as the investigation progresses.
At this time, officials have not publicly identified those arrested or provided details about the specific charges against each person.
Hazlehurst Now will continue following the investigation and provide updates as additional information becomes available.
Read the full Georgia Department of Agriculture release
