A tractor-trailer driver pulled into a Butts County truck stop to check his shifted cargo, found an open box filled with marijuana and immediately called 911.[1] Sheriff Gary Long said the driver had no idea he was hauling illegal drugs and believed he was transporting legitimate freight that originated in Sacramento, California.[1] Long said the driver will not be charged and will receive reward money, even though reporting the load cost him about $10,000 in freight pay.[1] Authorities have not said who was expected to receive the marijuana in Orlando or announced arrests tied to the Florida-bound portion of the shipment.[2][3]
Butts County authorities intercepted approximately 1,800 pounds (about 816 kg) of marijuana in Butts County on Tuesday morning.[4] Long said the marijuana was seized after originating in Sacramento, California, where marijuana is legal.[2][3] About half the shipment was headed to Atlanta, while the other half was destined for Orlando.[2][3] The driver had already dropped off a legitimate portion of his delivery at a warehouse in Atlanta and was en route to Orlando when he made the discovery in Butts County.[1]
Long said the illegal marijuana trade does not stop at the state line.[2] Long said Mexican drug-trafficking organizations and other criminal organizations continue to move enormous quantities of marijuana across state lines, undercutting legitimate growers and businesses operating within the legal system.[2] Georgia currently allows low-THC cannabis oil for registered medical patients but has not legalized recreational marijuana.[2] Long’s release does not identify a person or business connected to the shipment and does not announce arrests or charges.[4] Long confirmed that deputies plan to burn all 1,800 pounds of the seized marijuana.[1]
