Georgia Department of Agriculture Law Enforcement Operation Leads to Seizure of 120 Pounds of Marijuana and Approximately $5 Million in Illegal Hemp Products from DeKalb County[...]

Wed, Apr 8 2026

ATLANTA, GA - Today, Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J Harper announced that a Georgia Department of Agriculture Law Enforcement Operation conducted on Monday, March 26th, 2026, in DeKalb County has resulted in the seizure of 120 pounds of Marijuana as well as approximately $4.8 million (retail value) in illegal hemp products and resulted in multiple Felony trafficking charges. This remains an ongoing investigation, and additional charges are anticipated.

"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 Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J 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."

Operational Summary:
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 a large volume of illegal products. GDA Investigators were assisted by the DeKalb Police Department's Narcotics and K9 units throughout the operation, and the Georgia Department of Agriculture is deeply appreciative of that assistance. Multiple individuals were taken into custody and face trafficking charges. This is an ongoing criminal investigation; charges against additional suspects are currently pending.

• Category
• Hemp
• Law Enforcement

Media contacts

• Matthew Agvent,Communications Director
• Liz Rivera-Brown,Deputy Communications Director

About GDA's Law Enforcement Division
The Georgia Department of Agriculture's Law Enforcement Division, reinstated by Commissioner Harper upon taking office, 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. Additionally, its Emergency Management branch leads the Department's response to emergencies, such as natural disasters and animal disease outbreaks, ensuring a rapid and effective reaction to safeguard Georgia's agricultural community and public safety.

Georgia Department of Agriculture
Tyler J Harper, Commissioner
19 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. SW
Atlanta, GA 30334