Gas Station Owner Denies Selling Synthetic Kratom Linked to Ole Miss Student Deaths

The owner of a Mississippi gas station linked to the synthetic kratom found near two deceased University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) students has denied that the pills originated from his store. The owner stated that federal agents seized all kratom products from his business following a raid.

Robert Strang, 20, and Aidan Hamilton, 18, were found dead on September 21. Court documents indicate that synthetic kratom was discovered near both students. A DEA investigation temporarily scheduled mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, an ingredient found on packaging near Hamilton, for placement in Schedule I on August 26, prohibiting its sale. A Mississippi law enforcement agent believes "pseudoindoxyl" refers to this compound, with lab results pending confirmation.

Agents investigating the deaths learned that Strang had purchased "Smax" pills at Express Mart #7 in Water Valley, Mississippi. An undercover agent subsequently bought similar Smax Pseudo pills at the store, which listed pseudoindoxyl as an ingredient. However, Ibrahim Aydah, the owner of Express Mart #7, told Fox News Digital that the "Smax" pills found near Strang did not come from his establishment. He cited differences in packaging, including a price tag on the pills found near Strang, which he claims his store does not use, and stated that he does not carry the 200 mg version of the product.

A store clerk informed the undercover agent that the 200 mg version was out of stock, according to court documents.

Aydah confirmed that federal agents executed a search warrant on Friday and confiscated all kratom products from his store, stating he was unaware he was selling illegal items. "Yes, they took all my stuff. I lost everything and it's a law," Aydah said, adding, "The federal law bans it. I was shocked."

He described the raid as involving numerous law enforcement vehicles and emphasized his identity as a businessman, not a drug dealer. "I'm a businessman. I'm not a drug dealer," Aydah stated.

The DEA confirmed executing a search warrant at the gas station as part of an "ongoing investigation." A spokesperson noted that the August 26 scheduling order covers products listing "pseudoindoxyl" on their labels. Aydah has not been charged with any wrongdoing.

Lafayette County Metro Narcotics stated that packaging associated with kratom-related products was discovered at both locations where the students were found. Toxicology results from the medical examiner were still pending as of September 25.

Mac Haddow, Senior Fellow on Public Policy for the American Kratom Association, commented that the specific drug found near the students is illegal. He pointed out that the sale and possession of some synthetic kratom have been federally illegal since August, and illegal in Oxford, Mississippi, since 2019, and in Lafayette County since 2021.