Georgia Cracks Down on Hemp Oil Theft

The Georgia Department of Agriculture has announced multiple arrests following a multimillion-dollar theft of hemp oil—an incident officials say sends a strong message about protecting the integrity of the agriculture industry.

According to the Department, roughly 3,000 liters of CBD distillate—valued at $3.6 million—were stolen from the Second Century Ag processing facility in Irwin County earlier this year. The product, a viscous extract derived from hemp, was loaded into a U-Haul and transported across state lines. Officers with GDA’s Law Enforcement Division led the investigation, coordinating efforts with the Texas Rangers and the Texas Department of Public Safety to identify and apprehend the suspects in Houston.

While the investigation is still active, this case may be one of the largest hemp-related thefts ever recorded.

Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper praised the swift and collaborative response, emphasizing that criminal activity will not be tolerated under the guise of agriculture.

“If you attempt to use agriculture as a cover for criminal activity,” said Harper, “we will catch you—and you will go to prison.”