Greenwich narcotics detectives arrested a New York man accused of selling illegal kratom products from his vehicle in town.
Trevor Singer was arrested Tuesday, Aug. 25, and charged with four counts: sale of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, possession with intent to sell, and operating a drug factory, Patch reported. Officers recovered more than $20,000 worth of kratom products during the arrest.
The charges stem from an investigation by Greenwich Police Department narcotics detectives into the sale and distribution of 7-Hydroxy, a kratom product, within Greenwich.
Singer was assigned a $50,000 bond. He was released after posting 7 percent cash, according to the Connecticut Judicial Branch website. He is scheduled to appear in Stamford Superior Court on Wednesday, Sept. 9.
Kratom became illegal in Connecticut in April
Kratom comes from a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration says it is often used to self-treat pain, anxiety, depression, opioid use disorder and opioid withdrawal. An estimated 1.7 million Americans aged 12 and older used kratom in 2021, according to a federal survey cited by the FDA.
Connecticut classified kratom and its derivatives as Schedule I controlled substances on April 2, becoming the seventh state to do so, according to the state Department of Consumer Protection. Possessing or selling kratom in any form is now illegal in the state.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration announced July 1 its intent to temporarily place 7-Hydroxy in Schedule I of the federal Controlled Substances Act, according to a Congressional Research Service report. A temporary scheduling order was expected on or after Aug. 5.
Products containing 7-Hydroxy can produce powerful opioid-like effects, Greenwich police said. High doses can cause respiratory depression, extreme sedation, vomiting, loss of consciousness and potentially fatal overdose.
Police noted that kratom products may come in commercially packaged forms such as tablets, capsules, powders, liquids or extracts. The department said packaging that resembles over-the-counter products does not mean the substance is legal or safe.
Greenwich police urged parents and guardians to talk with young people about kratom and 7-Hydroxy products and the dangers associated with their use.
Residents who want to report suspected drug activity can contact the Greenwich Police Department's narcotics unit.
