Two Oxford shop employees charged after police seize over 500 synthetic kratom packs

Two smoke shop employees in Oxford, Mississippi, face federal charges after police found more than 500 packages of synthetic kratom at a shop searched during an investigation into the deaths of two University of Mississippi students. The discovery has broadened an active inquiry into whether illegal substances were sold to students.

Aidan Hamilton, 18, and Robert Strang, 20, were found dead on 21 September after separate reports that they were unresponsive and possibly overdosing; investigators found pills believed to contain kratom or synthetic kratom at both scenes. Yahya Mohamed Mosleh, 51, and Islam Mohamed, 18, are charged with possessing a controlled substance with intent to distribute. Police also reported finding THC cartridges and other suspected narcotics, and said further charges may follow.