Georgia Department of Agriculture Law Enforcement, Worth County Sheriff’s Office Partner on Underage Compliance Operation

Fri, Jan 2 2026

Worth County, Ga - On December 30th, 2025, Investigators with the Georgia Department of Agriculture Law Enforcement Division assisted the Worth County Sheriff's Office with an underage sales compliance operation to ensure local businesses are complying with state laws regarding the sale of hemp-derived THC products and alcohol. The operation utilized supervised underage operatives who attempted to purchase THC products and alcohol at 17 different establishments throughout Worth County, including in the cities of Sumner, Poulan, Warwick, and Sylvester. During the operation, 7 of the 17 establishments were found to be in violation of state law regarding the sale of THC products and alcohol to underage Georgians.

"The Georgia Department of Agriculture has zero tolerance towards the sale of hemp-derived THC products to Georgians under 21," said Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J Harper. "We are grateful to the establishments that are complying with the law and keeping these products away from children, and we look forward to working with Law Enforcement and retail hemp license holders to ensure these products are not sold to underage Georgians."

"Preventing underage access to alcohol, vapes, and THC products is critical to the safety and well-being of our community," said Worth County Sheriff Don Whitaker. "These compliance checks are not intended to punish businesses, but to ensure accountability and encourage responsible practices."

Businesses found to be non-compliant were issued citations, which may result in fines, license action, or other penalties as prescribed by law, and warrants were issued for the responsible individuals. The establishments that passed the compliance checks properly verified identification and refused sale, illustrating their adherence to lawful, responsible sales practices.

The Georgia Department of Agriculture strongly encourages all hemp license holders to ensure they are complying with all applicable laws.

• 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