Oneida County Reports on Kratom Seizures: County officials report 21 kratom products and 2,424 flavored vapor products seized in October actions in Utica and Stittville, including significant details of Oneida County kratom seizures.
By David Laguerre
Oneida County officials say four enforcement actions this month have brought the number of establishments inspected since July to 12, as county and state agencies continue targeting products they describe as illegally sold or unregulated.
In an October 19 announcement, the county reported that its Health Department seized 21 kratom products and 2,424 flavored vapor products during the four October actions. The inspections involved three Utica businesses and a Sunoco station in Stittville.
This month, the focus on Oneida County kratom seizures emphasizes the ongoing efforts to regulate and inspect products in the area, particularly highlighting the recent Oneida County kratom seizures.
Across the broader enforcement effort since July, officials report seizing more than 450 kratom products, including those involved in Oneida County kratom seizures, and more than 7,000 flavored vapor products. The county said the effort has also involved synthetic cannabis products, K2, 7-OH and other items. Those broader categories should not be read as a list of products found at every establishment.
What officials reported finding in Stittville
The Oneida County Health Department conducted a compliance check October 14 at GTB Fuel 10 Corporation, a Sunoco station also known as One Dream Kitchen, at 9060 NYS Route 365 in Stittville.
County officials said they seized 12 kratom drinks and 1,239 flavored vapor products. The New York State Office of Cannabis Management also confiscated cannabis products at the location, according to the county release.
The county specifically stated that the Stittville facility was not padlocked. That distinguishes the action there from two earlier Utica searches described in the same announcement.
The Phoenix previously reported on the Stittville store search. The October 19 release provides a wider county enforcement update and additional totals, rather than announcing another October 14 inspection at that location.
Three Utica businesses included in October actions
5 Star Tobacco
Also on October 14, the county Health Department inspected 5 Star Tobacco at 350 Leland Avenue in Utica, working with the Utica Police Department and the District Attorney’s Office.
Officials reported seizing 441 flavored vapes. The release did not report a kratom seizure at that business or say that it was padlocked.
James Street Food Market
On October 1, the county Health Department and Utica Police Department executed a search warrant at James Street Food Market, Inc., at 405-407 James Street.
Officials said they seized nine kratom products and 72 flavored vapor products. The county said the Office of Cannabis Management discovered illicit cannabis and padlocked the facility.
Eagle Street Convenience
A second October 1 search warrant was executed at Eagle Street Convenience, also known as Eagle Street Express, at 904 Eagle Street.
Officials reported seizing 672 flavored vapor products. According to the county, the Office of Cannabis Management also discovered illicit cannabis there and padlocked that facility.
The numbers at a glance
| Business | Date | Kratom products reported seized | Flavored vapor products reported seized |
|---|---|---|---|
| GTB Fuel 10 / One Dream Kitchen, Stittville | Oct. 14 | 12 drinks | 1,239 |
| 5 Star Tobacco, Utica | Oct. 14 | None reported in release | 441 |
| James Street Food Market, Utica | Oct. 1 | 9 | 72 |
| Eagle Street Convenience / Eagle Street Express, Utica | Oct. 1 | None reported in release | 672 |
| Total | 21 | 2,424 |
The October totals are part of the county’s cumulative figures since July. They should not be added to those overall figures as though they represent a separate enforcement campaign.
Picente says inspections will continue
County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. said officials intend to maintain the effort.
“We are not letting up on this effort,” Picente said. “We are staying on top of this issue and will continue conducting inspections and working with our law enforcement partners and state agencies to crack down on the illegal sale of kratom, synthetic cannabinoids and other dangerous products.”
“These results show that our efforts are making an impact, but we are not stopping here. We will continue to pursue violations, hold businesses accountable and do what is necessary to protect the health and safety of our residents.”
The county said it is working with the Sheriff’s Office, local law enforcement and state agencies to identify violations and remove illegal products from circulation. Establishments in Rome, Clinton and Boonville have also been inspected during the broader effort.
What the release does and does not establish
The announcement provides the county’s account of the inspections, seizures and two padlocking actions. It does not identify individual defendants, list criminal charges or announce convictions arising from these four actions.
It also does not provide responses from the businesses, laboratory findings for the seized products, specific statutory citations for each alleged violation or a timetable for further proceedings. The enforcement findings described here are attributed to county officials. A seizure or closure is not, by itself, a criminal conviction.
For readers, the clearest distinction is between the specific products officials reported at each location and the wider range of substances mentioned in the county’s campaign. The release does not say that all four businesses sold every type of product named in its headline.
Source: Oneida County press release, “Oneida County Continues Crackdown on Kratom, Synthetic Cannabinoids & Other Illegal Products,” October 19, 2026, supplied to the Utica Phoenix. County media contact: Phil Vanno, 315-723-5465, pvanno@oneidacountyny.gov.
