Police in Roswell say they are investigating incidents in which $5,000 worth of a controversial herbal supplement stolen from a store over a month.
A large amount of Kratom was stolen from Smoke 911 store on Holcomb Bridge Road, the manager told police. The shop sells tobacco products, vapes, hookahs, adult novelties, grinders, glass, pipes, scales and more.
Atlanta’s Center for Disease Control told Channel 2 Action News that Kratom use is growing and research connects Kratom use to psychosis, seizures and death.
Kratom, also known as mitragyna speciosa, is a tropical tree native to southeast Asia that can be used to manage pain and boost energy, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration. In some countries, Kratom is promoted as an "herbal speedball."
The DEA considered banning the drug in 2016, but it is currently legal and anyone over 18 can purchase it. However it is on the DEA's "drug of concern" list.
Police told Channel 2 Action News they are concerned about where the stolen supplements might end up.
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"Any type of vitamin or supplement, you do need to have adult supervision with these items and you definitely want to protect these items to not get into the wrong hands,” said Lisa Holland, a spokeswoman for Roswell police. "Anybody could get a hold of it and it could have ill effects on anybody."
Roswell police ask anyone with information on this case to give them a call at 770-640-4100.
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