Two Oxford, Mississippi, men face federal drug charges after investigators say bank records showed an Ole Miss freshman who later died had made several purchases at the vape and tobacco shop where they worked. Yahya Mohamed Mosleh, 51, and his son, Islam Yahya Mosleh, 18, are each charged with possession with intent to distribute controlled substances "in connection with a death investigation," the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Mississippi said.
Neither man is charged with causing the deaths of Aidan Hamilton, 18, of Englewood, Colorado, or Robert Strang, 20, of Atlanta, who were found dead about an hour apart on Sept. 21. The case involves kratom derivatives, a group of compounds that includes MGPI, MGM-15 and MGM-16, which became federal Schedule I substances in late August.
For parents of college students, the case highlights a difficult reality. Pills sold in bright packaging at ordinary retail counters can carry opioid-like risks, and the legal status of these products has changed quickly this year.
Allegations in the Federal Complaint
According to the complaint, as described by CBS News, bank records showed Hamilton made multiple purchases at the store in September. On Sept. 24, an informant sent by investigators bought kratom-based pills from Yahya Mosleh, who allegedly warned the buyer to "be careful taking the pills because people were dying from them," according to a DEA agent's affidavit. CBS reported that one of the three newly banned compounds was listed on products seized from the store and found in Hamilton's room.
Investigators searched the store that day and seized more than 500 units of kratom products, ABC News reported, identifying the business as Puffs Vape, Tobacco and Beer. Packages, some with missing tablets, were found in Hamilton's room. ABC reported that Strang bought from a different store, which faces no charges.
Both men appeared before a federal magistrate judge on Oct. 1, who found probable cause. "A criminal complaint merely contains allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law," prosecutors noted. Lafayette County is one of 30 Mississippi counties and cities that restrict or ban kratom sales, Mississippi Today reported.
MedicalDaily previously reported that state health officials warned against counterfeit pills and unregulated products after the deaths, before any arrests, when kratom had been found but not linked to the deaths. The arrests, the alleged store link, and the named compounds are new.
Toxicology Findings and the Unanswered Cause of Death
Earlier reports said toxicology results were pending. A Gray News report said a new federal filing indicates testing found mitragynine, MGM-15 and MGPI in both students' systems.
Even so, investigators "have not yet said if they've determined exactly what killed either student," the outlet reported. Finding a substance in the body is not the same as an official cause of death, which a medical examiner determines. Prosecutors have said, "both deaths appeared consistent with drug overdoses."
Schedule I Status Changes the Legal Picture
The DEA placed MGPI, MGM-15, and MGM-16 in Schedule I through a temporary scheduling order in the Federal Register effective Aug. 26, 2026, and running until Aug. 26, 2028. Schedule I is the strictest federal category, used for substances considered to have high abuse potential and no accepted medical use. Selling them is now a federal crime regardless of how they are labeled.
"Kratom derivatives, such as MGPI, MGM-15 and MGM-16, are now schedule I controlled substances and can be significantly more potent than natural kratom leaf products and morphine, with associated high risk of severe addiction, overdose, and death," the U.S. Attorney's Office said. Prosecutors added that the products have been called "gas station heroin."
Natural kratom leaf is not federally scheduled, but the FDA says kratom "is not lawfully marketed in the U.S. as a drug product, a dietary supplement, or a food additive in conventional food." A related compound, 7-OH, was proposed for Schedule I in July, but no final federal order has been reported.
Parents can ask college-age children calmly whether they have used kratom, 7-OH, or similar pills, without assuming they have. Products sold at vape shops or gas stations that promise energy, mood, or pain relief are not FDA-approved, and their strength can vary widely, so no packaging claim guarantees a safe dose.
Anyone who is hard to wake, breathing slowly, or turning blue after taking an unknown pill needs a 911 call right away. The Poison Help line, 1-800-222-1222, can answer questions about a product someone has already taken.
Developing Story Timeline
Oct. 3, 2026: Gray News reports a federal filing citing toxicology findings.
Oct. 1, 2026: Both men appear in federal court, where probable cause is found.
Sept. 24, 2026: An informant's purchase and a store search lead to the men's arrests.
Sept. 21, 2026: Two students are found dead about an hour apart.
Lafayette County Metro Narcotics has said the investigation remains active and more charges are possible. No next court date or official cause-of-death ruling has been announced.
Key Questions Answered
Who was charged?
Yahya Mohamed Mosleh, 51, and his son Islam Yahya Mosleh, 18, each face one federal count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.
Are they charged with the students' deaths?
No. The charges concern alleged drug distribution, not causing either death.
Which substances are involved?
Prosecutors cited the kratom derivatives MGPI, MGM-15 and MGM-16, which became Schedule I substances on Aug. 26, 2026. A reported federal filing says testing found MGM-15 and MGPI in both students.
Has a cause of death been confirmed?
No official cause of death has been announced, though a reported federal filing cites toxicology findings.
Is regular kratom illegal?
Kratom leaf is not federally scheduled, but the FDA says it is not lawfully marketed as a drug, supplement or food additive. Some local governments restrict it.
What should someone do in a suspected overdose?
Call 911 immediately. For questions about a product already taken, call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222.
Published by Medicaldaily.com
