09/23/2026
Press Release
Lafayette County Reminds Public: Sale and Possession of Kratom Has Been Illegal Countywide Since 2021
OXFORD, Miss. — Lafayette County officials are reminding the public that the use, purchase, possession, distribution, sale or offering for sale of kratom and other synthetic opioid products has been illegal throughout Lafayette County since January 2021.
At the request of Sheriff Joey East, the Lafayette County Board of Supervisors unanimously adopted the ordinance on Jan. 4, 2021. The ban mirrors an ordinance the City of Oxford adopted in August 2019, meaning the sale and possession of kratom has been prohibited both inside Oxford city limits and throughout unincorporated Lafayette County for several years.
Under the ordinance, no person may use, possess, purchase, distribute, manufacture, sell or offer for sale kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) in any form — including extracts, capsules, tablets, powders, liquids or other preparations — or products marketed under trade names such as Kratom, Krathom, Kakuam, Ketum, Kratum, Thang, Biak-Biak, Super K, K-Chill, Herbal Speedball, VivaZen or K-Shot.
Products found in a person's possession are subject to confiscation by law enforcement. The ordinance does not apply to substances used under the direction or prescription of a licensed physician or dentist.
The ordinance was adopted under the authority of Mississippi Code Annotated §§ 19-3-40 and 19-3-41 for the immediate and temporary preservation of public peace, health and safety, and took effect immediately upon adoption.
Lafayette County Metro Narcotics is currently conducting an active investigation related to this matter. Consistent with standard law enforcement practice, no further details are being released at this time. Members of the media with questions about the investigation should contact Lafayette County Metro Narcotics or the University of Mississippi directly.
