MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Alabama law enforcement officials say a statewide operation targeting illegal kratom products has resulted in the seizure of nearly 123,000 doses and bottles of products sold at convenience stores, gas stations and wholesale distribution centers across the state.
Attorney General Steve Marshall and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency announced the results of Operation Southern Shield, a joint enforcement effort that led to 83 search warrants and the seizure of products containing kratom, a substance classified as a Schedule I controlled substance under Alabama law.
“Alabama will not be a marketplace for dangerous, illegal substances,” Marshall said in a statement. “We gave retailers every opportunity to comply, and those who chose to ignore the law are now facing the consequences.”
According to state officials, the operation resulted in the seizure of 63,995 bottles containing kratom, along with approximately 59,000 additional doses discovered at two wholesale warehouse locations in Montgomery.
The investigation began after state officials started receiving complaints from consumers who reported becoming addicted to products being sold in gas stations and convenience stores.
Attorney General’s Office Chief Counsel Katherine Robertson said officials first noticed an increase in complaints last year after products containing kratom began reappearing on store shelves.
“You all may remember that about 10 years ago, the legislature took action to make these products illegal,” Robertson said during a news conference. “They went away for a little while, but we started getting complaints about this time last year.”
Investigators conducted undercover purchases and submitted the products to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences for testing. Officials said laboratory analysis confirmed the products contained mitragynine and hydroxymitragynine, compounds commonly associated with kratom.
Several district attorneys’ offices issued cease-and-desist letters targeting products that tested positive for kratom, including a product marketed as “Boujee Bliss.” State officials said those products largely disappeared from stores following the warnings.
However, new complaints emerged in early 2026 involving similar products.
In March, the Attorney General’s Office coordinated with district attorneys statewide and distributed cease-and-desist orders to every business holding an Alabama Beverage Control license. Investigators said some retailers continued selling the products despite receiving notice.
ALEA agents then launched Operation Southern Shield in May, conducting undercover purchases, executing search warrants and expanding the investigation into wholesale suppliers and distributors.
Robertson said the state’s concerns extend beyond simple regulatory enforcement.
“This stuff is highly addictive. It has opioid-like effects,” Robertson said. “Despite the label, it is not made from natural kratom or what people think is natural kratom. This is mostly synthetic stuff, which means it’s highly concentrated and highly addictive.”
State Bureau of Investigation Chief Sean Lockridge said citizen complaints were instrumental in launching the investigation.
“This investigation began after complaints were received from concerned citizens regarding products being sold in retail locations throughout the state of Alabama,” Lockridge said. “These complaints ultimately led to a coordinated state enforcement effort.”
Investigators identified multiple out-of-state distributors responsible for shipping the products into Alabama and executed search warrants at retail locations and wholesale warehouses.
ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor said the investigation uncovered a broader distribution network while removing large quantities of illegal products from Alabama communities.
“These products have generated numerous complaints from citizens, are known to be highly addictive and are frequently packaged and marketed to attract children and young adults,” Taylor said in a statement.
Calera Police Chief David Hyche, whose department previously hosted community discussions about the issue, said families affected by addiction helped bring attention to the problem.
“These citizens made it clear that this threat must be attacked on two fronts,” Hyche said. “Law enforcement going after those companies and individuals getting rich off other people’s misery and recovery and assistance for citizens who were trapped into addiction by products they assumed were safe.”
Officials said the investigation remains active as authorities continue tracking distributors and retailers involved in the sale of illegal kratom products. The Attorney General’s Office said businesses that continue selling products containing kratom could face criminal and civil action.
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