The defense of the president of Santa Gaia Association, Guilherme Augusto Viel, filed on Wednesday (22) the ruling of his Criminal Habeas Corpus. He awaits a ruling to respond in freedom to the charges of Drug Trafficking and Related Conducts. 

The document was filed in the 4th Criminal Law Chamber.

Movements after operation 

On Thursday (16), a Police operation at Santa Gaia Association resulted in the seizure and destruction of hundreds of plants. The action left more than 9,000 patients unassisted.

The operation was motivated by an investigation requested by the Public Prosecutor's Office. According to authorities, the association operated without the necessary Anvisa documentation for cultivation on national territory.

In total, 466 marijuana plants and another 96 in the oil production phase, as well as equipment, were seized.

In a ruling, on Tuesday (21), Santa Gaia Association and ten other patients had already received a positive ruling. The 3rd Region Federal Court (TRF3) accepted the safe-conduct for the entity to resume operations and cultivate cannabis.

The ruling also guarantees an individual safe-conduct to the ten patients listed in the process. They will be able to import 120 seeds per year, intended for the cultivation of up to 120 plants each.

The total volume is 1,200 annual plants. Cultivation must take place only at the address of Santa Gaia Association's headquarters and is subject to the presentation of valid medical prescription and import authorization issued by Anvisa.