Mississippi authorities raided a vape and tobacco shop in Oxford and seized more than 500 units of kratom, arresting two people in connection with the sweep. The raid followed the unexplained deaths this week of two Ole Miss students; kratom was reported at both scenes but officials have not released causes of death. Oxford banned kratom sales and possession in 2019, and the store's owner was reportedly indicted in 2022 and fled the country. Investigators say it is unclear whether kratom was involved; the probe is ongoing.
Mississippi Police Arrest Two and Seize 500+ Units of Kratom After Two Ole Miss Students Found Dead
Puffs Vape, Tobacco and Beer Store, located in the 100 block of Heritage Drive in Oxford.
Mississippi authorities said Friday that two people were arrested and more than 500 units of kratom were seized after a raid at a vape and tobacco shop in Oxford, coming days after two University of Mississippi students were found dead and kratom was reported at both scenes.
On Thursday, Metro Narcotics agents executed a search at the Puffs Vape, Tobacco and Beer Store on Heritage Drive in Oxford. According to an Oxford Police Department statement, officers confiscated "more than 500 units of kratom, along with an assortment of THC cartridges, gummies and other suspected narcotics."
Authorities booked Yahya Mohamed Mosleh, 51, and Islam Mohamed, 18, on various drug-related charges. Officials also said the store's owner, 40-year-old Amer Alowdi, was indicted in 2022 on alleged narcotics trafficking charges and reportedly fled the country before prosecution. Police added that "additional charges may be forthcoming as the investigation continues."
Context and public-health notes
Oxford has prohibited the possession, distribution and sale of kratom since 2019. Local authorities said the recent deaths of two Ole Miss students renewed concern about the herbal product after kratom was reportedly found at both scenes.
Ole Miss confirmed that 18-year-old freshman Aidan Hamilton of Englewood, Colorado, and 20-year-old junior Robert Strang of Atlanta were found dead this week in separate locations on or near campus. Officials have not released causes of death, and it is unclear whether kratom played any role.
The Drug Enforcement Administration describes kratom as an herb with opioidlike effects that can act as either a stimulant or a sedative depending on the dose. It is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for medical use, and public-health officials have raised concerns about safety and interactions with other substances.
Investigation ongoing
Police said it was not immediately clear whether the recent arrests are connected to the students' deaths. Authorities are continuing their investigation and have urged anyone with relevant information to contact law enforcement. This is a developing story and updates may follow.
Original reporting previously published on NBCNews.com.
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