Governor Kay Ivey and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency are urging parents, young people and consumers to be aware of the potential dangers of kratom and products that may contain the substance, as law enforcement continues efforts to 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," Ivey said. "Y'all, please just be aware: Just because it is sold on a gas station shelf, does not always mean it is safe."
Kratom is a controlled substance in Alabama, but products encountered by Special Agents are often not clearly labeled as containing kratom. They may instead 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."
In 2025, ALEA and the Alabama Attorney General's Office began investigating citizen complaints about potentially addictive products sold at retail locations statewide. Undercover purchases and laboratory testing by the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences confirmed certain products contained mitragynine, commonly referred to as kratom.
After further complaints and testing of newly branded products in early 2026, ALEA launched Operation Southern Shield in May. The operation resulted in 83 search warrants and the seizure of nearly 123,000 doses of illegal kratom products. ALEA has since seized several hundred more bottles from retail locations, while some businesses have removed previously identified products from their inventory.
"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. "Anyone who continues to sell these products will face the full force of the law, including seizure of assets and felony prosecution."
ALEA warns kratom can be addictive and that products sold through unregulated channels may lack reliable information about ingredients, concentration or contents. It also warns against mixing these products with alcohol or other substances. Citizens who encounter suspected kratom products are encouraged to report them to local law enforcement or through the Alabama Attorney General's Office website.