Gov. Kay Ivey and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency are urging parents, young people and consumers to be aware of the potential dangers associated with kratom products as state authorities continue efforts to identify and remove illegal products from Alabama retailers.

Kratom is a controlled substance in Alabama, but officials said in a Sept. 30 news release that products containing it are not always clearly labeled. They may be marketed as beverages, shots or “feel-good” products promoted for 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 in the release. “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 Secretary Hal Taylor said consumers should not assume products are safe simply because they are sold over the counter.

“We want Alabamians, especially parents and young people, to understand that these products may not always be what they appear to be,” 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.”

ALEA and the Alabama Attorney General’s Office began investigating complaints about potentially addictive products at retail locations in 2025. Undercover purchases and Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences testing confirmed some products contained mitragynine, commonly known as kratom.

Following additional complaints and testing of newly branded products, ALEA launched Operation Southern Shield in May 2026. The operation resulted in 83 search warrants and the seizure of nearly 123,000 doses of illegal kratom products.

Since then, ALEA has continued investigations with the Attorney General’s Office, Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, ADFS, local law enforcement agencies and district attorneys’ offices. Agents have seized several hundred bottles from retail locations and found businesses that removed previously identified products from their inventories.

“Alabama is not open for business to anyone selling these dangerous and illegal substances, however they’re labeled or packaged,” Attorney General Steve 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.”

Officials said kratom can be addictive and products sold through unregulated channels may not reliably identify their ingredients, concentration or contents. ALEA also warns against mixing the products with alcohol or other substances because of the potential for serious and unpredictable effects.

People who encounter products they believe may contain kratom or another illegal substance are encouraged to report them to local law enforcement or through the Alabama Attorney General’s Office website.