Oxford police arrest two after narcotics raid near University of Mississippi

Two individuals, 51-year-old Yahya Mohamed Mosleh and 18-year-old Islam Mohamed, have been arrested following a narcotics raid at Puffs Vape, Tobacco and Beer Store in Oxford, Mississippi. Officers seized more than 500 units of Kratom, which is illegal within Oxford city limits, along with THC cartridges, gummies, and other suspected narcotics.

The arrests follow the recent deaths of two University of Mississippi students, Aidan Hamilton and Robert Strang. While investigators have not officially connected the arrests to the fatalities, authorities noted that packaged Kratom sold from a retail store was discovered at both death scenes. Toxicology results are pending to determine the exact cause of death for the students.

The store's owner, Amer Alowdi, was reportedly indicted for narcotics trafficking in 2022 but fled the country before prosecution could occur.