Full Notification

(Etowah County, Alabama) Agents with the Etowah County Drug Enforcement Unit and area law enforcement officers are now seizing the drug known as Kratom, according to Sheriff Todd Entrekin.

The seizures come today as a result of Governor Robert Bentley’s signature on a new law that establishes the drug as illegal in the State.

“Alabama legislators and the Governor are to be applauded for their quick response to the growing problem that is hurting citizens in our community,” says Sheriff Entrekin. “Locally, Representative Mack Butler was instrumental in the passage of the legislation.”

Drug Task Force agents were given authority to immediately identify locations selling the drug and to seize the substance. Common names for the drug include: Viva Zen, Medical Grade Kratom, K Chill, Green Wen Extra Strength and Zombie Matter.

The illegal substance can be snorted, smoked or orally ingested in liquid or pill form. It has similar effects to heroin and causes a high euphoria sensation. It is also known to slow mental and heart function and breathing is also severely slowed, sometimes enough to be life-threatening.

“Arrests of individuals in possession of, manufacturing or selling these substances will not be made today,” says DEU Commander Randall Johnson. “However, if anyone is found to be in violation of the new law tomorrow, they will be arrested and appropriately charged.”

“This is fair warning to those who sell or possess this product. Get rid of it or go to jail,” states Sheriff Entrekin. “Now that Kratom has been declared illegal, I intend to carry out my duties as Sheriff, uphold the law and do the best we can do to rid the County of this dangerous substance.”

If a merchant has a question as to whether products in their store are illegal or if someone knows of a location where the drug is being sold, they are encouraged to contact the Etowah County Drug Enforcement Unit at 256-549-5465 or the Etowah County Sheriff’s Office at 256-546-2825.

Agencies involved in today’s seizure of the illegal substance include: Etowah County Drug Enforcement Unit, Etowah County Sheriff’s Office, Gadsden Police Department, Glencoe Police Department, Hokes Bluff Police Department, Southside Police Department, Rainbow City Police Department, Attalla Police Department and Altoona Police Department.

**A news conference will be held tomorrow, Wednesday, May 11th, at the Etowah County Sheriff’s Office, beginning at 10:00 a.m. concerning today’s seizure of Kratom.**
--END--