TOWNS COUNTY, Ga. — A multi-agency law enforcement operation has led to an ongoing investigation into several local businesses accused of illegally selling intoxicating substances disguised as legal hemp products.

Dubbed “Operation 420,” the initiative brought a visible law enforcement presence to multiple locations across Towns County and the city of Hiawassee on Tuesday. Authorities say the operation focused on retailers suspected of distributing products that exceed Georgia’s legal limits for hemp-derived substances.

The operation was carried out by SCOUT—the Special Criminal Operations Unified Team—a joint task force formed by the Towns County Sheriff’s Office and the Hiawassee Police Department. Additional support came from the Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office, part of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, along with the Georgia Department of Agriculture, which oversees compliance involving hemp and consumable goods.

According to investigators, what initially appeared to be standard over-the-counter merchandise was, in many cases, illegal. Officers reported discovering significant quantities of intoxicating hemp derivatives and cannabis-like products allegedly being sold behind the counter.

Among the items seized were high-THCA cannabis flower, THC vape cartridges, and a range of edibles, including gummies marketed to resemble legal hemp products. Authorities say some of these items exceeded allowable THC concentrations or contained prohibited substances, making them illegal for retail sale under Georgia law.

Investigators also reported finding enhanced kratom products, including tablets containing 7-hydroxymitragynine, a potent compound associated with opioid-like effects.

In addition to the substances, officers seized more than $21,900 in cash believed to be tied to the alleged illegal sales. A firearm was also recovered at one location identified as the Lakeview site and has been taken into evidence as part of the ongoing investigation.

Officials noted that some products were packaged in ways that could mislead consumers into believing they were purchasing legal hemp items. At one location, investigators also observed adult novelty products openly displayed in areas visible to all customers, including minors.

Authorities emphasized that the investigation remains active. Teams are continuing to catalog seized materials and determine the full retail value of the products involved. Additional details, including potential charges, are expected in a future release.

Law enforcement officials say operations like this are central to SCOUT’s mission to address illegal activities that may pose risks to public health and safety.

“We appreciate the continued support and cooperation of the citizens of Towns County,” officials said in a statement, “as we work to protect the well-being of our community.”