MONTGOMERY, AL — The Office of Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall announced the results of Operation Southern Shield, a statewide enforcement initiative conducted in partnership with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) targeting the illegal sale of products containing kratom at retail locations throughout Alabama.
According to state officials, the operation resulted in the execution of 83 search warrants and the seizure of nearly 123,000 doses of products containing kratom.
Attorney General Steve Marshall said the operation followed multiple warnings and cease-and-desist notices issued to retailers and distributors. He stated that businesses that continued selling products containing kratom despite those warnings are now facing potential legal consequences.
ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor said the operation was the result of collaboration among ALEA, the Attorney General’s Office, local District Attorneys, and law enforcement agencies statewide. Taylor said investigators removed a significant quantity of illegal products from Alabama communities and identified a distribution network extending beyond state lines.
Calera Police Chief David Hyche said law enforcement officials have heard from individuals and families affected by addiction associated with the products. He emphasized the need for both enforcement efforts and recovery resources for those struggling with addiction.
The investigation began after state officials received citizen complaints in May 2025 regarding products sold at gas stations and other retail locations. Consumers reported concerns about the products’ addictive qualities. Subsequent laboratory testing conducted by the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences determined the products contained mitragynine, commonly known as kratom, which is classified as a controlled substance under Alabama law.
Over the following months, investigators conducted undercover purchases and additional testing. Several District Attorneys’ Offices issued cease-and-desist letters to businesses selling products containing kratom. Officials said one identified product, Boujee Bliss, largely disappeared from store shelves following those actions.
In January 2026, authorities reported receiving complaints about new products with similar characteristics appearing in stores across the state. Additional testing again confirmed the presence of kratom.
In March 2026, the Attorney General’s Office coordinated with local District Attorneys to issue a new cease-and-desist order identifying additional products containing kratom. The notice was distributed to all retail locations holding Alabama Beverage Control (ABC) licenses.
After identifying businesses that continued selling the products, ALEA launched Operation Southern Shield in May 2026. Agents conducted undercover purchases, executed search warrants at retail locations, and expanded the investigation to wholesale distribution centers.
Officials reported that 63,995 bottles containing kratom products were seized from retail establishments. An additional approximately 59,000 doses were seized from two warehouse locations in Montgomery. Investigators also identified multiple out-of-state distributors allegedly shipping kratom products into Alabama.
The seized products remain part of an ongoing investigation that could result in additional criminal and civil actions, according to state officials.
