Last week, four individuals were apprehended in connection with one of Georgia’s major heists, where they allegedly stole over $3 million worth of CBD oil from a processing facility back in January.
The suspects reportedly took an astonishing 3,000 liters of CBD distillate from a hemp processing plant in Irwin County, as per the Ohio State Police Department.
This quantity of oil is estimated to be worth around $3.6 million, according to law enforcement officials.
CBD oil, often used for relieving joint and chronic pain, has minimal THC, the psychoactive component of marijuana, so it typically doesn’t produce a high.
In recent years, CBD has gained popularity and is appearing in drinks and other products in small stores and grocery retailers.
Given the circumstances of the robbery, local authorities collaborated with the Agriculture Bureau. Their investigation spanned five months and ultimately led them to the suspects, with two fleeing to Houston, Texas.
Those arrested included Maurice Cornelius Williams, 41, and 24-year-old DeAndre Meshack, who were believed to have played critical roles in executing the crime.
Alleged ringleaders, Lachela Jones, 31, and Aaron Wayne Smith, 29, were taken into custody in Dallas, Texas, and are thought to be the main organizers of the operation.
According to reports, Williams and Meshack broke into the processing facility in Irwin County, where they loaded the entire 3,000 liters of oil into a rented U-Haul truck.
Law enforcement suspects the duo then transferred the stolen goods to another vehicle outside the county.
Meanwhile, Jones and Smith were said to have coordinated the entire operation.
As of now, the stolen oil remains unaccounted for, and it’s unclear where it was taken or if it’s already being sold.
Each of the four individuals faces multiple felony charges, with Smith facing the most serious allegations, according to the Department of Agriculture.
“We are very proud of the quick work our officers have done to bring these criminals to justice,” said Tyler J. Harper, expressing gratitude towards the Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas County Sheriff, and Irwin County Sheriff’s offices for their support in this case.
Harper suggested that this heist ranks among the largest thefts of CBD distillate in Georgia and potentially across the nation.
