Gov. Ivey urges public awareness of potential dangers associated with kratom products
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Special to the News
Gov. Kay Ivey and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) are urging parents, young people and consumers to be aware of the potential dangers associated with kratom and products that may contain the substance.
This reminder comes as national discussion on kratom heightens and as law enforcement continue their efforts to identify and remove illegal products from store shelves across Alabama.
“Kratom is illegal in Alabama, but unfortunately, it is not that plain and simple. Our law enforcement folks continue identifying stores putting this illegal product on their shelves disguised as harmless drinks,” said Gov. Ivey. “Y’all, please just be aware: Just because it is sold on a gas station shelf, does not always mean it is safe. As parents and young people remain vigilant, our good law enforcement will keep doing everything they can to keep these dangerous products from robbing kids of their futures.”
Kratom is a controlled substance in Alabama; however, products encountered by special agents are often not clearly labeled as containing kratom. Instead, they may be marketed as beverages, shots, or other “feel-good” products intended to promote relaxation, energy, or an improved mood. ALEA also continues to encounter new products with different names, labels and packaging.
“We want Alabamians, especially parents and young people, to understand that these products may not always be what they appear to be,” said ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor. “Something being sold over the counter at a gas station or vape shop should not automatically be considered safe. Education and awareness are critical as we continue working with our partners to identify these products and remove illegal substances from Alabama communities.”
In 2025, ALEA and the Alabama Attorney General’s Office began investigating citizen complaints involving potentially addictive products sold at retail locations across the state.
Undercover purchases and subsequent laboratory testing by Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences (ADFS) confirmed certain products contained mitragynine (commonly referred to as kratom), a controlled substance under Alabama Code.
Following additional complaints and laboratory testing of newly branded products in early 2026, ALEA launched Operation Southern Shield in May to identify and seize illegal kratom products and support potential criminal and civil enforcement actions. The operation resulted in the execution of 83 search warrants and the seizure of nearly 123,000 doses of illegal kratom products.
Since launching Operation Southern Shield in May, ALEA; in coordination with the Alabama Attorney General’s Office, Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, ADFS, local law enforcement agencies, and district attorneys’ offices; has continued to investigate complaints involving suspected kratom products. ALEA has seized several hundred bottles from retail locations across the state, while special agents have also found numerous businesses that have removed previously identified products from their inventory.
Suspected products are submitted to ADFS for laboratory analysis. As additional products are confirmed to contain kratom, ALEA shares that information with law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and the Attorney General’s Office.
“Alabama is not open for business to anyone selling these dangerous and illegal substances, however they’re labeled or packaged,” said Attorney General Steve Marshall. “These products prey on unsuspecting consumers, including children, who have no way of knowing what they’re buying. Retailers had every opportunity to comply, and those who ignored the law will now face serious consequences. Anyone who continues to sell these products will face the full force of the law, including seizure of assets and felony prosecution.”
A large concern is the accessibility of these products to young people. Products may be sold at gas stations, vape shops and other retail locations without clearly communicating the potentially dangerous substance they contain.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to talk with teenagers and college-age students about the risks and remind them that a product being available for purchase over the counter does not necessarily mean it is safe.
Kratom can be addictive, and products sold through unregulated channels may lack reliable information about their ingredients, concentration, or contents. ALEA also warns against mixing these products with alcohol or other substances, which can increase the risk of serious and unpredictable effects.
ALEA and its partners continue to investigate complaints, conduct enforcement operations and pursue potential criminal and civil actions involving the possession, distribution and sale of illegal kratom products.
Citizens who encounter products they believe may contain kratom or another illegal substance are encouraged to report the information to local law enforcement or through the Alabama Attorney General’s Office website at www.alabamaag.gov/consumer-complaint.