Two University of Mississippi students died in separate incidents earlier this week, prompting an ongoing investigation by local authorities. Days later, two men were arrested in Oxford in connection with an alleged illegal drug operation involving kratom and other substances.
Two Ole Miss Students Identified
The students were identified as 18-year-old Aidan Hamilton, a freshman from Englewood, Colorado, and 20-year-old Robert Strang, a junior from Atlanta.
Hamilton was found unresponsive in a dormitory on the Ole Miss campus on Sept. 21, with emergency responders reportedly performing CPR. Strang was found at an off-campus residence in Oxford on the same day.
Authorities are treating the deaths as separate investigations and have not confirmed that they are connected. While packaged kratom was reportedly found at both locations, officials have stressed that they have not established that kratom or another substance caused either death. Toxicology and other investigative work are expected to help determine the causes of death.
Two Men Arrested After Drug Investigation
On Sept. 24, authorities arrested Yahya Mohamed Mosleh, 51, of Oxford, and Islam Mohamed, 18, of Oxford. Both face charges involving possession of Schedule I controlled substances with the intent to distribute, according to Lafayette County Metro Narcotics.
Investigators began looking into alleged illegal sales at Puffs Vape, Tobacco and Beer Store on Heritage Drive after receiving information about suspected drug activity. Authorities conducted a controlled purchase before obtaining a search warrant for the business.
During the search, investigators seized more than 500 units of kratom, along with THC cartridges, gummies and other suspected narcotics. Officials said the investigation remains active and additional arrests are possible.
Authorities Warn Against Unregulated Substances
Kratom is derived from a tree native to Southeast Asia and can produce both stimulant-like and sedative effects. Its legal status varies across the United States, while Oxford has prohibited the possession, distribution and sale of kratom since 2019.
Authorities have urged the public not to speculate about the students’ deaths while the investigations continue. Officials have also cautioned people against using kratom or other substances that have not been prescribed or obtained through trusted, regulated sources.
The University of Mississippi has expressed condolences to the students’ families and asked the campus community to rely on confirmed information rather than rumors circulating online. The investigations into both deaths and the alleged drug sales remain ongoing.
