Police raided a tobacco shop in Oxford, Mississippi, seizing more than 500 units of kratom plus THC cartridges, gummies and other suspected drugs, and arresting two men on charges of possession with intent to distribute. The seizure comes days after two University of Mississippi students were found dead on Sept. 21 with packaged kratom present at both scenes. Officials say there is no confirmed link to the deaths and investigators are awaiting autopsy and toxicology results, which could be available soon. Local leaders have pledged resources to speed testing and urged anyone with information to contact authorities.
Oxford Raid Seizes 500+ Units of Kratom; Two Arrested as Investigators Probe Deaths of Two Ole Miss Students
The Food and Drug Administration announces on July 29, 2025, that it's "targeting 7-OH, a concentrated byproduct of the kratom plant; it is not focused on natural kratom leaf products. 7-OH is increasingly recognized as having potential for abuse because of its ability to bind to opioid receptors. The FDA is releasing a new report to educate the public about the health concerns of 7-OH and its distinction from the kratom plant leaf."
Two men were arrested and more than 500 units of kratom, along with THC cartridges, gummies and other suspected narcotics, were seized in a Thursday raid at Puffs Vape, Tobacco and Beer Store in Oxford, Mississippi, police said.
Oxford police identified the suspects as Yahya Mohamed Mosleh, 51, and Islam Mohamed, 18. Both were charged with possession of Schedule I controlled substances with intent to distribute following the Lafayette County Metro Narcotics operation on Heritage Drive.
Context and Ongoing Investigations
The raid and arrests come days after two University of Mississippi students, Robert Strang, 20, and Aidan Hamilton, 18, were found dead on Sept. 21 at separate locations. Packaged kratom was found at both death scenes — Strang was discovered at an off-campus house and Hamilton in Stewart Hall, a campus residence — but authorities have emphasized there is no confirmed evidence linking kratom or any other substance to the deaths.
What Officials Have Said
Investigators are awaiting autopsy and toxicology results that could clarify the causes of death. Mississippi Commissioner of Public Safety Sean Tindell told Fox News those reports could be completed as early as next week, and Gov. Tate Reeves has pledged state resources to expedite testing. Officials have not ruled out foul play, but said a final determination will rely on autopsy findings, toxicology, witness statements and other evidence.
Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch told Fox News Digital that investigators do not currently know whether the arrests or the seized drugs are connected to the students' deaths.
Local Laws and Related Cases
Oxford has prohibited the possession, distribution and sale of kratom since 2019. The owner of the raided shop, Amer Alowdi, 40, was indicted on narcotics trafficking charges in 2022 and reportedly fled the country before prosecution; authorities said additional charges could be filed as the investigation continues.
If toxicology tests identify fentanyl, prosecutors may pursue charges under Mississippi's Parker's Law against someone who unlawfully delivered the substance if it resulted in a person's death, officials said.
About Kratom
Kratom is an herbal substance derived from the leaves of a tree native to Southeast Asia. The National Institute on Drug Abuse says kratom can cause stimulant-like effects at lower doses and opioid-like effects at higher doses. The Food and Drug Administration has not approved kratom for medical use.
Community Response and Next Steps
Oxford Mayor Robyn Tannehill warned residents about the potential dangers of kratom and other substances as the investigations proceed. Authorities urged anyone with information to come forward to assist with the active probe.
Reporter: Anthony Thompson — [email protected] • X: @athompsonUSAT
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