Agents seize suspected illegal THC, kratom-like products in central Mississippi raids

A multi-agency effort in Mississippi resulted in more than 1,000 pounds of suspected illegal products being seized.

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety confirmed that agents executed 14 search warrants on Monday at locations throughout Madison, Rankin, and Hinds counties following a six-month investigation. Agents coined the effort as “Operation Preferred Purp” and noted that efforts included undercover purchases and coordinated investigative efforts to track down businesses accused of selling illegal substances.

While officials did not identify the locations where the search warrants were executed, SuperTalk Mississippi News spotted a large presence of law enforcement at Magnolia Wholesale Vapor and Wellness in Jackson the same day the raids occurred.

During the execution of the search warrants, agents said they seized more than 800 pounds of THC products packaged and marketed as legal merchandise intended for sale at businesses throughout the counties. Investigators also determined that some of these products were destined for distribution and resale in other states.

Agents also reported that they seized more than 200 pounds of kratom-labeled products believed to contain federally scheduled substances, including MGM-15, MGM-16, or mitragynine pseudoindoxyl. Officials confirmed that the products will be transferred to federal law enforcement for further investigation.

Agencies involved in the operation included the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, Madison Police Department, Ridgeland Police Department, Rankin County Sheriff’s Office, Commercial Transportation Enforcement Division, Mississippi Bureau of Homeland Security, Mississippi Bureau of Criminal Investigations, Capitol Police, Homeland Security Investigations, and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration.

“This operation demonstrates the importance of strong partnerships and coordinated efforts among law enforcement agencies at every level. The Mississippi Department of Public Safety extends its sincere appreciation to our officers, agents, and partner agencies for their dedication and hard work throughout this investigation,” DPS Commissioner Bo Luckey said. “Collaboration is key to law enforcement success, and operations like this demonstrate what we can accomplish when we work together to protect Mississippi communities and prevent dangerous, illegal substances from reaching our streets.”

Arrests were made in the raids, but law enforcement officials did not provide identities. More arrests are expected as officials continue to investigate the cases.

The push to remove suspected illegal products from the shelves of retailers statewide follows the deaths of two Ole Miss students who were reported to have had synthetic kratom-like products in their systems when they passed away.