Vape Store Clerk Warned of Kratom Dangers Amid Ole Miss Student Deaths, Affidavit States
Two University of Mississippi students died with synthetic kratom products in their possession, leading to arrests at a vape shop where a clerk allegedly acknowledged the substance's risks.
A vape store clerk in Oxford, Mississippi, warned a confidential informant that "people were dying" from kratom pills being sold at the establishment, according to court documents. This warning came to light as authorities investigate the deaths of two University of Mississippi students, Aidan Hamilton, 18, and Robert Strang, 20, who were found deceased on September 21. Both students had packages of kratom or synthetic kratom-like substances in their possession at the time of their deaths.
Officials indicated that Hamilton "could have died due to a Pulmonary Edema," which is consistent with a drug overdose. Strang was discovered unresponsive at his nearby home. The packaging on the products found near both students was labeled "Smax, Pseudo-DHM," described in court documents as a "Kratom like substance at gas stations or tobacco shops" sought for its "narcotic like effect."
Hamilton had made multiple purchases from Puffs Vape, Tobacco and Beer Store in Oxford in September. Store employees Yahya Mohamed Mosleh, 51, and Islam Mohamed, 18, were arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute. The court documents do not explicitly state that the kratom found with Hamilton originated from this store, though one of his purchases occurred the day before he was found dead.
A confidential informant reportedly approached the store and inquired about "7 O Kratom based pills." A clerk confirmed they sold such products and retrieved a package from under the register. Mosleh allegedly instructed the informant to be discreet and cautious, stating that "people were dying from them."
Investigators seized over 500 units of kratom from the vape store, along with THC cartridges, gummies, pre-rolls, and other suspected THC products. Hamilton's roommate reported that Hamilton frequently used marijuana but was not known to use hard drugs.
About an hour after Hamilton's body was discovered, police responded to a separate call and found Strang deceased in a house near campus. A package of the "Smax, Pseudo-DHM" tablets was found on his nightstand, alongside 20 to 30 cans of nitrous oxide, commonly known as "whippets," which his roommates said he used daily. They also reported that Strang had consumed a Xanax bar the day he was found.
Authorities noted that the synthetic kratom-derived product Strang possessed was purchased at a gas station approximately 30 minutes from Oxford. The exact role kratom played in the deaths of Hamilton and Strang remains under investigation.