Two men, identified as Yahya Mohamed Mosleh, 51, and Islam Yahya Mosleh, 18, have been arrested and charged with possession with intent to distribute controlled substances in connection with a death investigation involving students from the University of Mississippi. The pair worked at a local vape, tobacco, and beer shop that allegedly supplied kratom derivatives to students at the institution.
On 21 September, law enforcement discovered one student dead in a dormitory room, with the apparent cause of death consistent with a drug overdose. Within approximately one hour, a second student was found dead from a suspected overdose at a different location. Both individuals had packages of suspected kratom derivative products in their possession, and investigators traced the materials to the smoke shop where the defendants were employed.
Following the deaths, authorities executed search warrants at the retail establishment and seized suspected kratom derivative controlled substances. Officials subsequently issued public warnings regarding the consumption of kratom, though the students’ deaths have not been formally attributed to the substance. The incidents have generated significant concern among state and federal authorities about the availability and dangers of kratom products.
Kratom is a plant-based substance with opioid-like properties that has gained popularity in the United States over the past decade. It is typically purchased over the counter and consumed in pill or liquid form. While the substance remains legal in certain states, including Mississippi, the FDA does not regulate it. Certain kratom derivatives, including those designated as MGPI, MGM-15, and MGM-16, have been classified as schedule I controlled substances at the federal level and are reported to be significantly more potent than both natural kratom leaf products and morphine. In some countries, such as the United Kingdom, kratom is prohibited entirely.
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