An operation of search and seizure on Thursday morning (16) collected all the cultivation and laboratory material from the Santa Gaia Association, which provides treatment based on medical Cannabis to over 9 thousand patients. The action puts thousands of people at risk, according to the entity.

The association states that the seizure makes it impossible to continue the treatments of patients with serious illnesses, such as children and the elderly, who now face the interruption of their care.

The entity's lawyer, Antônio Pinto, confirmed that one of the founders is in custody and will have a hearing tomorrow. According to Pinto, the action was a major "mistake". "The Civil Police did not know about the association's activities," he explained.  

In an official statement, Santa Gaia informed that directors, collaborators, and patients were surprised at its headquarters in the city of Lins (SP) by the warrant issued by the State Court. The entity classified the action as a "serious mismatch of information" between the courts.

The organization claims there is no judicial determination obliging it to interrupt its activities. Santa Gaia emphasizes that it is a legally constituted civil association and has two processes that guarantee its operation: a habeas corpus and a civil action in TRF1.

The association highlighted the impact of its work, which serves patients with epilepsy, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, cancer, and chronic pain. According to the note, 170 families receive the medication for free.

In addition, 97 patients are treated at no cost by the institution's social clinic, which employs a total of 53 collaborators.

Facing the seizure, Santa Gaia appealed for the unity of patients, doctors, and supporters of medical Cannabis in Brazil. The goal is to "demand respect for associations that save lives and operate within the law."

The Sechat Portal contacted the Civil Police of the State of São Paulo, but had not received a response at the time of publication of this news.