TROY, Ala. (TROJANVISION) — After two University of Mississippi students died from suspected overdoses after allegedly consuming kratom products, the Troy University Police Department (TUPD) is warning students about the drug. 

Kratom is a drug that can come as either organic or synthetic, and in small amounts it acts as a stimulant. In higher doses, though, it begins to have opioid-like effects and can become addictive. 

Variances in the potency of kratom products can make risks, including overdose, unpredictable for those who choose to use it.  

“Worst case scenario, these synthetics can lead to death, but there’s so many things short of death that can happen to you,” said TUPD Police Chief George Beaudry. “There’s no easy way to stay safe if you’re choosing that. 

The United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has kratom listed as a drug and chemical of concern, which means that it is not an illegal substance at the federal level.  

That said, the state of Alabama has made it illegal to buy, sell, own or use kratom. Alabama is one of just nine states to ban kratom and kratom products. 

While kratom products are illegal in Alabama, repackaging and unclear branding can make it difficult to discern what exactly could be inside the drugs at your local gas stations and vape shops. 

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“You read the package and they make it sound like it’s nothing or something OK,” Beaudry said. “If it’s not prescribed to you by a doctor, don’t buy it from the gas station, don’t buy it from the vape shop and don’t take it from your friend. 

“You truly don’t know what’s in that pill.” 

Beaudry also says while the products may be illegal, it’s still sold and used inside Alabama’s state lines. 

“It’s out there,” Beaudry said. “It is out there and it’s everywhere. 

“They’re still seeing it all the time. Every day.” 

In May, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) launched Operation Southern Shield, which saw officers execute 83 search warrants and seize nearly 123,000 doses of illegal kratom products from shops across the state. 

TrojanVision asked 36 students across campus if they had ever heard of kratom. Of those students, two said they had heard of it, one knew about it and its effects and the other 33 had never heard of it.