MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WDNews) — Gov. Kay Ivey and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency are warning parents, young people and consumers about the potential dangers of kratom products as state law enforcement continues working to remove illegal products from store shelves.
According to the governor’s office, kratom is a controlled substance and is illegal in Alabama. However, officials say some products containing kratom are not clearly labeled and may instead be marketed as drinks, shots or other products claiming to promote relaxation, energy or an improved mood.
“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. 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.”
ALEA said agents continue to encounter products with different names, labels and packaging, making it difficult for consumers to know whether kratom is present.
“We want Alabamians, especially parents and young people, to understand that these products may not always be what they appear to be,” ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor said. “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.”
According to ALEA, the agency and the Alabama Attorney General’s Office began investigating complaints in 2025 about potentially addictive products being sold at retail locations across Alabama.
Undercover purchases were made, and the products were submitted to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences for testing.
Officials said laboratory testing confirmed that some of the products contained mitragynine, the main active compound commonly associated with kratom. Mitragynine is a controlled substance under Alabama law.
Additional complaints involving newly branded products were received in early 2026. Following further laboratory testing, ALEA launched Operation Southern Shield in May.
The operation was created to identify and seize illegal kratom products and gather evidence that could be used in possible criminal or civil enforcement actions.
According to ALEA, Operation Southern Shield resulted in 83 search warrants being executed across Alabama. Authorities reported seizing nearly 123,000 doses of illegal kratom products during the operation.
Investigations have continued since the operation began.
ALEA said it has worked with the Alabama Attorney General’s Office, Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences, local law enforcement agencies and district attorneys throughout the state.
Since May, agents have seized several hundred additional bottles from retail businesses. ALEA said agents have also found businesses that removed previously identified products from their shelves.
Suspected products are sent to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences for laboratory testing. When additional products are confirmed to contain kratom, ALEA said that information is shared with law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and the Attorney General’s Office.
Attorney General Steve Marshall said retailers selling products containing illegal substances could face enforcement action.
“Alabama is not open for business to anyone selling these dangerous and illegal substances, however they’re labeled or packaged,” Marshall said. “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.”
State officials said one of their main concerns is the accessibility of the products to teenagers and young adults.
Products containing kratom may be sold at gas stations, vape shops and other retail locations without clearly identifying the substance on the packaging, according to ALEA.
Parents and guardians are being encouraged to talk with teenagers and college-age students about the potential risks and remind them that an over-the-counter product should not automatically be considered safe simply because it is available for purchase.
Officials also warn that kratom can be addictive and that products sold through unregulated channels may not provide reliable information about their ingredients, strength or contents.
ALEA is also warning people not to mix suspected kratom products with alcohol or other substances because doing so could increase the risk of serious and unpredictable effects.
State officials said enforcement operations will continue, along with possible criminal and civil actions involving the possession, distribution and sale of illegal kratom products.
Anyone who encounters a product they believe may contain kratom or another illegal substance is encouraged to contact local law enforcement or submit information through the Alabama Attorney General’s Office.This keeps the enforcement claims and safety warnings attributed to state officials while preserving all three quotes.
