Two Ole Miss Students Died After Ingesting Synthetic Kratom, Prosecutors Say

Toxicology reports for two University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) students who died in separate suspected overdoses revealed the presence of the same three substances in their blood, prosecutors stated. Aidan Hamilton, 18, and Robert Strang, 20, died on September 21 in Oxford, Mississippi.

According to a court document obtained by the Daily Mail, the toxicology findings indicated mitragynine, along with the Schedule I controlled substances MGM-15 and MGPI, were present in both students. Mitragynine is the primary active compound in kratom, a plant native to Southeast Asia known for its opioid-like effects. MGM-15 and MGPI are potent opioid compounds.

Federal officials announced updated emergency actions targeting these and other concentrated kratom-related drugs as part of an effort to curb dangerous products. "Dangerous and addictive opioids do not belong behind convenience store counters," Attorney General Todd Blanche said.

Smoke Shop Employees Charged

The Lafayette County Metro Narcotics Department announced on October 1 that two employees of Puffs Vape Tobacco and Beer in Oxford, Yahya Mohamed Mosleh, 51, and his son Islam Mosleh, 18, face federal charges of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute. The business was searched following reports of alleged illegal substance sales, and authorities discovered kratom, THC cartridges, and other suspected narcotics.

A confidential informant working with police reportedly purchased "kratom-based pills" at the shop three days after the students were found dead. The affidavit stated the clerk warned the informant to be cautious with the pills, noting that people were dying from them. Officers subsequently searched the store and seized alleged kratom products, with forensic testing confirming the presence of kratom in some of the pills.

Yahya Mohamed Mosleh is being held in custody as a flight risk, while his son, Islam Mosleh, was released on a $20,000 unsecured bond with conditions including surrendering his passport.

The shop's owner, Amer Alowdi, 40, was previously indicted for drug trafficking and has since left the country, according to Oxford Police.

Third Overdose Reported

On the same day federal charges were announced, Oxford Police reported another suspected overdose involving a 22-year-old individual on Sweetgum Lane, approximately five miles from the university. Emergency responders revived the person, who was hospitalized and expected to survive. Police stated this individual also possessed synthetic kratom products, though they were not believed to have been purchased in Oxford, and this incident is not connected to the student deaths.

Investigation Continues

Hamilton, a freshman from Colorado, was found unresponsive in Stewart Hall on campus. Strang, a junior from Georgia, was discovered at an off-campus house. Both had efforts made to revive them, but they could not be saved. Bank records indicate both students made purchases at Puffs Vape Tobacco and Beer on the same date. Authorities also learned that Strang allegedly purchased kratom-containing pills at a nearby gas station, Express Mart #7, on September 9 and 11. No arrests have been made at Express Mart.

While prosecutors have presented toxicology findings, an official cause or manner of death has not yet been released. The Lafayette County Metro Narcotics Department described the federal court proceedings as "another step in an investigation that remains active and ongoing," adding that additional charges may be forthcoming as evidence is reviewed.