Peru Council Backs Kratom Ban Draft

The Peru City Council approved a recommendation on Monday to draft an ordinance prohibiting synthetic kratom. The measure would follow the model used by the city of Streator, which sets concentration limits for synthetic compounds while permitting the sale of natural kratom to residents aged 21 and older.

Peru Police Chief Sarah Raymond presented the proposal to aldermen. She noted that synthesized kratom can be up to 50 times more potent than its plant-based counterpart and carries a higher risk of fatal toxicity. The Streator ordinance specifically allows kratom in its natural, unaltered form while restricting chemically concentrated versions. Raymond stated that a previous proposal to ban all kratom was withdrawn after public pushback. She argued that limiting the ban to synthetic forms would protect public health while preserving the medicinal benefits of organic compounds.

Chief Raymond expressed strong personal support for the initiative, telling the council, “I personally think we should jump on board with this.” She added, “It is beneficial in its natural state.” Mayor Ken Kolowski also voiced support for the limited ban. “I don’t see why we shouldn’t,” Kolowski said regarding the pending ordinance. Several other aldermen signaled immediate backing for the restriction on synthetic products.

Peru city attorney Scott Schweickert stated that a draft ordinance will be ready for a vote at the full city council meeting on November 2. Peru joins a growing list of municipalities that have enacted full or partial bans on the substance. Neighboring towns with similar restrictions include Ottawa, Seneca, Marseilles, and Mendota. Oglesby has informally agreed to prohibition and is expected to pass an ordinance at its November meeting.

The push for action in Peru follows two kratom-related deaths in the city, according to Chief Raymond. La Salle County Coroner Rich Ploch has urged local municipalities to restrict the substance. Ploch now hopes for county-level action to extend the ban to unincorporated areas of La Salle County.

A presentation on the issue is scheduled for December 3 in Ottawa. Ploch said he aims to have a draft ordinance, prepared by the La Salle County State’s Attorney’s Office, ready for board consideration at that time.