In September 2025, the cannabis association Santa Gaia, in the Garcia neighborhood, in Lins (SP), was targeted by a Health Surveillance inspection, due to a complaint of a "marijuana smell" made by neighbors. Three weeks later, the association was the target of an operation motivated by a court decision. Yesterday, Thursday (16), the Civil Police carried out a seizure at the association's headquarters.

According to the Public Security Secretariat (SSP), 466 marijuana plants were confiscated, along with another 96 in the oil production phase. Cell phones and computers were also seized for financial logistics analysis.

Guilherme Viel, founder and president of Santa Gaia, was also arrested on the spot. This Friday (17), during a custody hearing, his arrest was maintained. Now, the association is working to file a Habeas Corpus requesting that he be allowed to respond while free.

The Delegate in charge of the operation, Artur Franco, explains that the investigation, requested by the Public Prosecutor's Office, found that the association was operating without the proper documentation from the Health Surveillance and the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa), to cultivate cannabis on national soil. "Along with the cultivation, a state-of-the-art laboratory for large-scale production was identified," added the Delegate.

In a statement, Santa Gaia reported having two ongoing processes that guarantee its activity. A Habeas Corpus for cannabis cultivation and a civil action in the Federal Regional Court of the 1st Region (TRF1). The delegate confirmed awareness of the action but emphasized that, "until they obtain the official decision authorizing the activity, they are irregular and continue to be illegal."

The patients' drama and the next steps

The interruption of the cannabis association's activities generates anguish among the patients. João Victor Viel, vice-coordinator and brother of Guilherme, states that the moment is to "gather the cases" and find ways to assist the more than nine thousand members. "We are already in contact with other associations. We will focus on the most delicate cases, but we will not leave anyone unattended," he explains.

Leny Emídio Barbosa, 46 years old, fears for the treatment of her daughter, Jayne Barbosa da Silva, 31 years old, who has suffered from severe epilepsy since childhood. Going through a viral encephalitis, Jayne suffered constant convulsive seizures from birth. A year and a half ago, with the use of oil, the seizures and sequelae were alleviated. "It's another life. Today she has quality sleep, can interact. I'm very nervous, we can't be without the oil," the mother laments.

Fortunately, Leny made a new oil request on Monday (13). Thus, her daughter's treatment — who consumes about four bottles per month — is guaranteed for at least a month and a half. A resident of Alhandra, in the interior of Paraíba, Jayne is at the beginning of the weaning process from Rivotril, which must now be postponed.

Eduardo Augusto da Silva, 47 years old, suffering from chronic pain, is also concerned. He uses cannabidiol to reduce the use of morphine and other medications. "Cannabis greatly reduces my pain. I can sleep, relax, something that was not common before. Only those who feel pain know what it's like." Fortunately, he had picked up a new bottle a day before the operation.

Accusations and the cannabis association's response

The case was registered as falsification of therapeutic products and drug trafficking. "At the location, we found cannabis oils without any batch identification and formal proof," explained the delegate. According to him, there was also a "kind of pharmacy" for the delivery of products to patients.

João Vitor contests, explaining that the association works with labeling all products, containing type and concentration. "We had just harvested and were in the bottling process. That's why some bottles were still without labels. First, we bottle and then label," he justifies. Regarding the "pharmacy," he clarifies that it is a clinic with a doctor, physiotherapist, social worker, and psychologist, where patients are welcomed and screened.

"It was a welcoming space. An employee screened, analyzed the prescription, and other documents, in addition to registering the patients. We never made a delivery without a prescription."

The future of plants and people

According to the delegate, the over 500 cannabis plants seized at the association will be destroyed with judicial authorization. The destination of the oil bottles, however, still awaits a decision from the health authorities.

During the operation, a firearm was seized at Guilherme's house. The police state that no documentation was presented, while João Vitor claims that the weapon is registered and that the founder is a Collector, Shooter, and Hunter (CAC).

The delegate considers the maintenance of preventive detention appropriate. According to him, the next step will be to listen to the witnesses and parties involved.