Yahya Mohamed Mosleh and Islam Mohamed were arrested Thursday after agents seized over 500 kratom units at a shop in Oxford, Miss. They face charges of possessing Schedule I drugs with intent to distribute; no link to two Ole Miss students' deaths has been confirmed.
Robert Strang, 20, and Aidan Hamilton, 18, were found dead Sept. 21 in separate locations: Strang at an off-campus home and Hamilton at Stewart Hall, a campus residence hall. Packaged kratom bought at a retail store was found during both investigations, but authorities say there is no confirmed evidence kratom or another substance contributed to either death.
At Puffs Vape, Tobacco and Beer Store, authorities also seized THC cartridges, gummies and other suspected narcotics. Oxford has banned kratom possession, distribution and sale since 2019. Autopsy and toxicology reports could be ready as early as next week, Mississippi Public Safety Commissioner Sean Tindell said. He said authorities have not ruled out foul play and will make a final determination after reviewing the reports, statements and other evidence.
