Brief
Mississippi store clerk and son charged with illegal kratom sales after Ole Miss student deaths
Federal prosecutors allege the pair sold kratom pills that may have contributed to the overdoses of two University of Mississippi students.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Federal prosecutors announced Friday that a 51‑year‑old store clerk, Yahya Mohamed Mosleh, and his 18‑year‑old son, Islam Yahya Mosleh, have been charged with possession with intent to distribute an illegal kratom product after the deaths of two University of Mississippi students in September.
What happened
University of Mississippi students Aidan Hamilton and a second unnamed student died on Sept. 21, with authorities describing both deaths as consistent with drug overdoses. A Mississippi drug task force had earlier warned residents to avoid kratom, an herbal stimulant that can act as a sedative at high doses. Bank records show Hamilton purchased items from a vape, tobacco and beer store in Oxford in September. On Sept. 24, an informant bought kratom‑based pills from Mosleh’s store; the clerk warned the informant, "be careful taking the pills because people were dying from them," according to a DEA affidavit.
What was said
U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent Michael Dassance said the warning was included in the affidavit. Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves said state agencies were expediting toxicology reports for the students. Attorneys for both Mosleh men declined to comment, citing email statements.
How it came about
The investigation follows the task force’s September advisory against kratom after the deaths. While kratom remains legal at the federal level, several states and localities have banned it, and federal officials have issued risk warnings. The charges were filed after a magistrate judge found sufficient evidence to proceed.
Key facts
- Yahya Mohamed Mosleh, 51, and his son Islam Mosleh, 18, were charged with possession with intent to distribute kratom. (cbsnews.com)
- Two Ole Miss students died on Sept. 21, with deaths described as consistent with drug overdoses. (cbsnews.com)
- A DEA affidavit records Mosleh warning an informant that "people were dying" from the kratom pills. (cbsnews.com)
- Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves said state agencies are expediting toxicology reports. (cbsnews.com)
Sources
- [1] cbsnews.com — originally reported as “Shop clerk, son charged with selling illegal kratom amid probe into deaths of 2 Ole Miss students”
