Police notify community of legislation against chemicals found in kratom

Mountain Brook Police Department included an update on anti-drug legislation in this week’s community update. On May 10, Gov. Robert Bentley signed a bill which put chemicals in the plant-based drug kratom on the controlled substances list.

The chemicals, Mitragynine and Hydroxymitragynine, are now categorized as Schedule I Controlled Substances.

Kratom is commercially available in convenience stores and online, according to the community update, and is sold under several names. A few names include Green Vein, Krishina Green Malay, Krazy Kratom, K Chill, Kali Green Indo, Shiva Red Maeng Da, Phoria, Mitra Red Boreno, Spake-K-det, Vita-Lize, Viva-Zen, Rela-K-zpro, K-shot, Dr. K and Matrix, although MBPD said there are potentially other names. It is sometimes sold in small bottles similar to 5 Hour Energy bottles or in pouches that contain capsules.

MBPD reported that anyone who possesses or sells products that include Mitragynine and Hydroxymitragynine is subject to prosecution for unlawful possession of a controlled substance or unlawful distribution of a controlled substance.

Police also reported criminal offenses that have occurred since last week’s community update.

Between May 11 and 12, a vehicle was reportedly damaged in the owner’s driveway on Harper’s Ferry Road.  Between April 25 and May 13, unauthorized access was gained to a computer system in the 400 block of Office Park Drive. A property theft was also reported in the update. A white female entered a business in the 2400 block of Montevallo Road and reportedly shoplifted two books on May 18.

Police also reported two drug-related offenses. On May 16, officers made a traffic stop on U.S. 280 at Office Park Circle, and the driver was reportedly found to have outstanding warrants, a pistol without a permit and drug paraphernalia.

The other offense reportedly occurred on May 18. Police performed a traffic stop for speeding, according the update, and the occupant of the vehicle was found in possession of marijuana.