Georgia authorities intercept 1,800-pound marijuana shipment from California; sheriff warns of growing illegal market

Authorities intercepted an 1,800-pound marijuana shipment in Butts County on Tuesday, Sheriff Gary Long said. The load reportedly originated in Sacramento, California. Long said about half was bound for Atlanta and the rest for Orlando, Florida, warning that the illegal marijuana trade “does not stop at the state line.” The sheriff’s office did not disclose how the shipment was intercepted or whether arrests were made, and it did not specify possible charges or suspects. Long used the seizure to urge Georgia lawmakers to consider how legalization may fail to eliminate black-market sales when criminal groups can avoid taxes and licensing.