Full Breakdown
Federal Charges Against Oxford Vape Store Clerks Tied to Ole Miss Student Deaths
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
- On September 21 two University of Mississippi students—Aidan Hamilton, 18, and Robert Strang, 20—were found dead in separate locations.
- Investigators linked synthetic kratom-like products recovered at both scenes to purchases at Puffs Vape, Tobacco & Beer Store in Oxford and Express Mart #7 in Yalobusha County.
- On September 24, Lafayette County Metro Narcotics executed a search warrant at the Oxford store, seized more than 500 units of kratom-related products, and arrested clerk Yahya Mohamed Mosleh, 51, and his son Islam Mohamed Mosleh, 18, on federal possession-with-intent-to-distribute charges.
Background & Context
- Kratom is a plant-derived supplement; synthetic derivatives such as “Smax Pseudo-DHM” (containing pseudoindoxyl, MGM-15, and 7-hydroxymitragynine) were placed in Schedule I by the DEA on August 26, 2026.
- Oxford banned kratom sales in 2019; Lafayette County followed in 2021. Mississippi law restricts sales to adults 21 and older.
Data & Statistics
- Over 500 units of kratom-related items, plus THC cartridges, gummies and pre-rolls, were seized from the Oxford store.
- Bank records show Hamilton purchased at the Oxford store on September 9, 14 and 20; Strang’s records show purchases at Express Mart #7 on September 9 and 11.
Official Statements & Responses
- U.S. Attorney Scott F. and Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves said state agencies are expediting toxicology reports for the two students.
Criticism & Opposition
- The American Kratom Association called for clarification that synthetic opioids, not natural kratom, are the dangerous substances and urged legislators to address synthetic kratom specifically.
On-the-Ground Reports
- Hamilton’s dorm room contained a package of “Smax Pseudo-DHM” tablets; Strang’s off-campus home held a similar package, nitrous-oxide cans and a Xanax bar, according to roommate statements.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Court documents have not confirmed that the kratom-related products found near Hamilton originated from the Oxford store; the source remains pending.
- Toxicology results for both students are incomplete, leaving the precise role of the synthetic kratom in the deaths undetermined.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The police chief and the sheriff absolutely misled everybody when they issued an investigative report that was incomplete and called it a ‘kratom package product’ when it was not,” — Mac Haddow, American Kratom Association.
What’s Next
- The federal case against Yahya Mohamed Mosleh and Islam Mohamed Mosleh proceeds in the Northern District of Mississippi; each has a $100,000 bond.
- Lafayette County Metro Narcotics has called for legislative hearings on synthetic kratom and is urging the Mississippi Legislature to consider a statewide ban.
- Toxicology reports are expected “in due course,” after which the medical examiner will notify families and may inform further criminal or civil actions.
