Man Sold Illegal Kratom Products From Vehicle In Greenwich, Police Say

GREENWICH, CT — A New York man was arrested last week and accused of selling illegal kratom products from his vehicle to people in Greenwich, according to police.

The arrest stems from an investigation by Greenwich police narcotics detectives into the illegal sale and distribution of 7 Hydroxy, a kratom product, within town.

Trevor Singer was arrested on Aug. 25 and charged with sale of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell, and operating a drug factory.

Police noted that at the time of his arrest, officers recovered more than $20,000 worth of illegal kratom products.

Singer was given a 50,000 bond, police said. The CT Judicial Branch website shows he was released after posting 7 percent cash. Singer is scheduled to appear in Stamford Superior Court on Sept. 9.

Kratom, in all forms, including its two primary alkaloids, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH/ 7 Hydroxy), is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance in Connecticut and is illegal to possess or sell, police noted.

Kratom is a tropical tree that is native to Southeast Asia, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Products prepared from kratom leaves are available online and in brick-and-mortar stores in the United States. Kratom is not federally scheduled as a controlled substance in the U.S., but its legality varies by state and locality.

The FDA says kratom is often used to self-treat conditions such as pain, coughing, diarrhea, anxiety and depression, opioid use disorder, and opioid withdrawal.

Police said kratom products may be sold in commercially packaged forms such as tablets, capsules, powders, liquids, or extracts.

"Packaging that resembles other over-the-counter or commercially available products does not mean the substance is legal or safe," police said.

Products containing 7-OH/ 7 Hydroxy can produce powerful opioid-like effects, police said, noting high doses can cause respiratory depression, extreme sedation, vomiting, loss of consciousness, and potentially a fatal overdose.

Police are urging parents and guardians to have conversations with young people about these substances and the potential dangers associated with them.