Manning police seek ordinance to ban sales of kratom amid rising overdose concerns

In the heart of Sabine Parish, the Police Jury convened on March 19, 2025, to address pressing community issues, including public health concerns and local governance. The meeting, marked by a sense of urgency, focused heavily on the growing problem of kratom, a substance increasingly linked to health risks and community disturbances.

As the meeting unfolded, law enforcement officials, including representatives from the sheriff's office and the coroner's office, voiced their strong support for an ordinance aimed at prohibiting the sale of kratom within parish boundaries. This initiative comes in response to alarming reports of overdoses and the substance's rising popularity among youth. The coroner highlighted the public health implications, noting that many local parents have expressed concerns about their children’s access to kratom, which is often sold in convenience stores and gas stations.

The discussion revealed a consensus among officials that immediate action is necessary. The sheriff's office underscored the urgency, citing that multiple parishes have already enacted similar bans. The officials emphasized that while kratom is marketed as a legal alternative to opioids, its effects can be dangerously similar, leading to addiction and health crises.

A pivotal moment in the meeting came when a juror raised questions about the enforcement of such an ordinance, highlighting the challenges posed by the evolving nature of drug legislation. The coroner and sheriff's representatives reassured the jury that passing the ordinance would provide law enforcement with the necessary tools to combat the issue effectively.

In addition to the kratom ordinance, the meeting also addressed logistical matters, including the approval of surplus equipment sales and the introduction of a new sales tax ordinance related to digital sales. These discussions reflect the jury's ongoing efforts to manage parish resources efficiently while adapting to changing legal frameworks.

As the meeting concluded, the jury members expressed a commitment to tackling the kratom issue head-on, with plans to vote on the proposed ordinance in the coming month. This proactive approach signals a determined effort by local officials to safeguard the health and well-being of Sabine Parish residents, illustrating the critical role of community governance in addressing contemporary challenges.