Law Enforcement Gives Warning To Public, Makes Arrests Amid Investigations Into Deaths Of 2 Ole Miss Students

on Sep 23, 2026 at 1:53 pm • Updated Sep 30, 2026 at 10:44 am CDT

After two students of the University of Mississippi were found dead, an investigation is underway, with the substance kratom potentially linking the cases. (Photo credit: University of Mississippi - Ole Miss / Facebook)

According to the University of Mississippi, two of its students have died, and an investigation is underway.

A call to 911 was made around 1:30 p.m. CT on Monday, Sept. 21, regarding a “possible overdose” at the university’s Stewart Hall, local Action News 5 reported, adding that CPR was in progress for the unresponsive student.

The death of a second student that day led to significant speculation and concern, as noted by the Lafayette County Metro Narcotics.

On Sept. 24, the identities of the two deceased students were released, and more was shared regarding their passing.

Aidan Hamilton, 18, of Colorado, was identified as the student found at Stewart Hall; and Robert Strang, 20, of Atlanta, Georgia, was identified as the other student, with Fox News reporting that Strang’s body was found at an off-campus home.

Their cause of death was not shared with the families until Wednesday, Sept. 30, with a cause of death still being awaited to be publicly announced from the coroner.

However, law enforcement confirmed that “packaged kratom” — a substance sometimes referred to as a “gas station opioid” — was found during investigations of both deaths.

Days later, the substance was clarified to be Smax Pseudo-DHM tablets, which ABC News reported contains Pseudoindoxyl, MGM-15(DHM), and 7-hydroxymitragynine.

7-hydroxymitragynine, also known as 7-OH opioids, is an active component of kratom.

Authorities working on the case told Fox News Digital that foul play has not yet been ruled out regarding either death.

With this incident, the Oxford Police Department announced on Friday, Sept. 25, that it has arrested two individuals employed at a local vape store where kratom was sold.

The news release shared the following:

“During the search, agents recovered more than 500 units of kratom, along with an assortment of THC cartridges, gummies, and other suspected narcotics. Kratom has been prohibited from possession, distribution, and sale within the City of Oxford since 2019.”

It is not clear if the arrests are directly connected to the deaths of Hamilton and Strang, and a toxicology report is still anticipated to determine if substances like kratom were in their system.

Amid the ongoing investigation, the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office has issued a special request to the public.

Arrests Made By Local Police For Suspected Sale Of Kratom-Like Substance

In a Sept. 25 news release, the Oxford Police Department shared that it had “received information regarding the alleged sale of illegal substances from a retail business located within the City of Oxford.”

The business, called Puffs Vape, Tobacco and Beer Store, was the subject of an undercover “controlled purchase of illegal substances” by the Lafayette County Metro Narcotics.

From that, a search warrant was obtained, and it led to the arrest of two individuals:

Yahya Mohamed Mosleh, 51, of Oxford; and
Islam Mohamed, 18, of Oxford.

Both were charged with possession of Schedule I controlled substances with intent to distribute.

Notably, the shop’s owner, Amer Alowdi, 40, fled the country in 2022 when he was indicted for allegedly trafficking narcotics in relation to a previous incident.

The Oxford Police then said, “For years, our community has taken a clear position regarding these types of products. We have educated businesses, conducted compliance checks, and worked aggressively to prevent illegal and potentially dangerous substances from being sold in Oxford.”

Continuing, the police said, “Despite those efforts, some individuals and businesses continue to put profit ahead of the safety of the people who live, work, and attend school in our community.”

Powerfully, the news release then stated:

“Our message is direct: if you choose to illegally sell these substances in our community, expect law enforcement to come looking for you. We will investigate. We will obtain warrants. We will seize illegal products, and we will hold those responsible accountable.”

Oxford Police Department then made it clear that additional arrests may be made in the near future.

See the full news release from police, here:

A news release from Lafayette County Metro Narcotics –

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE –

Lafayette County Metro Narcotics Unit Executes Search Warrant at Oxford Business

OXFORD, MISS. — On Thursday, September 24, 2026, the Lafayette County Metro Narcotics Unit received information… pic.twitter.com/ehoapEsqRG
— Oxford Police Department (@OxfordPolice) September 25, 2026

Law Enforcement Issues Warning About Kratom After Ole Miss Student Deaths

University of Mississippi, which is often called Ole Miss, is located in Oxford, Mississippi, which is in Lafayette County.

While kratom is legal in the state — and can only be sold to individuals who are 21 or older — it is prohibited from being sold in the city of Oxford.

Kratom, which is a plant in Southeast Asia, can be a sedative or a stimulant, depending on the quantity consumed, the Clarion Ledger reports.

HHS Sec. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., as well as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, recommended last year for kratom and other 7-OH opioids — also known as 7-hydroxymitragynine — to be federally regulated, seeking a Schedule I classification as an illicit substance.

In a 2025 press release, the FDA said, “7-OH is increasingly recognized as having potential for abuse because of its ability to bind to opioid receptors.”

That recommendation is under review.

Often sold in powder form, kratom sold in gas stations and other retail locations, like dispensaries, contains 7-OH and may contain trace elements of mitragynine pseudoindoxyl (MGPI), the latter of which received a federal Schedule I classification from the Department of Justice in August.

So far, several states have banned kratom, including:

Alabama;
Arkansas;
Connecticut;
Indiana;
Louisiana;
Tennessee;
Vermont; and
Wisconsin.

Massachusetts has implemented a one-year temporary ban on kratom, as of Aug 28; and Kentucky’s ban will begin next year.

Now, kratom is in the spotlight after it was found at the scene of two student deaths at Ole Miss.

While the separate investigations into the deaths of 18-year-old Aidan Hamilton, a freshman; and 20-year-old Robert Strang, a junior, are underway, Lafayette County Metro Narcotics issued a warning to the public on Tuesday, Sept. 22, saying:

“Out of an abundance of caution, we encourage everyone to avoid kratom and any other medication or substance that was not prescribed to you or obtained from a trusted, regulated source.”

The statement from Lafayette County Metro Narcotics goes on to note, “At this time, we have no confirmed evidence indicating that the two deaths are connected.”

Further, Lafayette County Metro Narcotics said, “We do not have confirmed information indicating that kratom or any other substance was a contributing factor in either death.”

*Aidan Hamilton, left, and Robert Strang, right, were identified on Sept. 24 as the two Ole Miss students who died on or around Sept. 21. (Photo: Hamilton family, Strang family / Facebook)*

A statement issued on Sept. 22 by Dr. Shawnboda Mead, vice chancellor for Student Affairs at the University of Mississippi, said, “The University is heartbroken by the recent loss of two students and extends our condolences to their families, friends and loved ones during this difficult time.”

Dr. Mead went on to say:

“We are aware that considerable unverified information is circulating on social media and in the community regarding these recent student deaths. The Coroner’s Office has confirmed two student deaths, and University Police are not aware of any additional student deaths. University Police remain in contact with local and state law enforcement, and the causes of the two deaths are still under investigation.”

View the full statement, here:

Message from Dr. Shawnboda Mead, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs pic.twitter.com/EVng7fxLKo
— Ole Miss (@OleMiss) September 22, 2026

Gavin Adcock Releases Statement On Ole Miss

Country artist Gavin Adcock was set to perform at SJB Pavilion at Ole Miss on Friday, Sept. 25.

Known for his “bad boy” persona, Gavin announced on Sept. 24 that he was rescheduling his show for April 10, 2027.

Writing on his story on Instagram, Gavin said, “I was sorry to learn of the tragic event that happened in Oxford, Ms over the weekend. After the passing of 2 students it doesn’t feel right to come play our show this weekend.”

See Gavin Adcock’s full post, here: