Polk County Deputies Arrest Two During Alcohol & Kratom Sales Sting Operation

iSkyNews and Media June 22, 2025

Staff Reporter | iSkyNews.com (ISC News)

Published June 22nd1st, 2025

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PCSO Cadet Helps Identify Non-Compliant Stores in Winter Haven, Mulberry

POLK COUNTY, FL — Two store clerks were arrested Friday as part of a Polk County Sheriff’s Office enforcement operation targeting the illegal sale of alcohol and kratom to minors.

According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO), deputies conducted compliance checks at 10 local stores selling alcohol and one store selling kratom across Winter Haven, Mulberry, Auburndale, Bartow, and Lakeland as part of Operation Pop-Top. The mission: ensure retailers are following Florida state law, which prohibits selling either substance to anyone under the age of 21.

The undercover operation was carried out with the assistance of a 15-year-old girl from the PCSO Cadet Program, who attempted to purchase alcohol or kratom at each location.

Out of the ten alcohol retailers visited, nine refused to sell to the minor. However, at Mulberry Chevron, located at 506 West Canal Street, the underage Cadet was able to buy an alcoholic beverage. The clerk who completed the sale was arrested and charged with selling alcohol to a person under 21, a misdemeanor offense.

Additionally, the Cadet successfully purchased kratom at Steezy Smoke Shop, located at 2791 Recker Highway in Winter Haven. The clerk in that case was also arrested and charged with selling kratom to a person under 21, another misdemeanor.

“As a law enforcement agency, we have a responsibility to the community to enforce these laws,” said Sheriff Grady Judd. “Likewise, if you're a sales clerk or the owner of a store, you also have a responsibility to the community to refuse to sell alcohol or kratom to anyone under the age of 21.”

PCSO says enforcement efforts like Operation Pop-Top will continue to ensure retailers remain vigilant in protecting youth from restricted substances.

For more updates on local public safety, visit iSkyNews.com.

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Keywords: Polk County Sheriff, underage alcohol sales, kratom arrest, Operation Pop-Top, PCSO cadet, Florida law enforcement, Grady Judd, Polk County crime news

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