Federal prosecutors have charged a father-son duo from an Oxford, Mississippi vape shop with distributing illegal synthetic kratom compounds. The charges follow the September 21 deaths of two University of Mississippi students, whose rooms contained banned substances. While toxicology results are pending, investigators linked the students' purchases to the store, which has since closed.
Federal prosecutors have charged a 51-year-old shop clerk and his 18-year-old son with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. The charges stem from the sale of synthetic kratom products at an Oxford, Mississippi vape store, which investigators linked to the deaths of two University of Mississippi students on September 21. While toxicology reports are pending, authorities found banned compounds in the students' rooms and the store.
Ibrahim Aydah, owner of Express Mart #7 in Water Valley, Mississippi, denies that 'Smax' Pseudo-DHM pills found near the bodies of two deceased University of Mississippi students originated from his store. Aydah stated that the pills found near Robert Strang’s body differ from his inventory, specifically noting that his store does not carry the 200 mg version or the specific ingredient list found on the packaging near the student. Federal agents from the DEA raided the store on Friday, seizing all kratom products following an August 26 federal scheduling order that banned the sale of mitragynine pseudoindoxyl. While Aydah expressed condolences to the families of the victims, he maintained that he is a businessman, not a drug dealer, and was unaware that his products were illegal. Court documents indicate that an undercover agent purchased similar pills from the store, but Aydah disputes the connection to the specific packages found at the crime scenes. Toxicology results for the students, Robert Strang and Aidan Hamilton, remain pending, though authorities have linked the deaths to potential drug overdages involving synthetic substances.
Federal authorities have charged a shop owner and his son with distributing illegal kratom compounds in connection with the deaths of two University of Mississippi students. While toxicology results are pending, investigators found banned substances in the students' rooms and at the Oxford store.
Two clerks at an Oxford, Mississippi vape shop face federal drug charges after investigators linked their store to purchases made by two deceased University of Mississippi students. Authorities seized over 500 units of synthetic kratom products, though toxicology results are still pending to confirm the cause of death.
Toxicology reports for two University of Mississippi students who died on Sept. 21 are pending, with families to be notified first. While 'Smax' Pseudo-DHM tablets were found at both scenes, officials have not yet confirmed the cause of death. The American Kratom Association argues these are synthetic Schedule I substances, not natural kratom, while law enforcement continues to investigate local vape shops.
Court documents reveal that University of Mississippi freshman Aidan Hamilton purchased Smax Pseudo-DHM kratom from a raided Oxford vape shop shortly before his death. Authorities have arrested two store employees and seized over 500 units of illegal substances, though toxicology results are pending to confirm the cause of death for Hamilton and fellow student Robert Strang.
Newly released court documents confirm that University of Mississippi freshman Aidan Hamilton purchased 'Smax' Pseudo-DHM tablets from Puffs Vape, Tobacco and Beer Store in Oxford on September 9 and 14, shortly before his death. A search warrant executed at the store on Thursday led to the arrest of Yahya Mohamed Mosleh, 51, and Islam Mohamed, 18, who were charged with possession of Schedule I controlled substances with intent to distribute. While the coroner believes the deaths of Hamilton and fellow student Robert Strang are consistent with drug overdoses, official causes remain pending toxicology results. Strang, a 20-year-old junior, was found dead with a similar packet of Smax, which he purchased from a different store in Yalobusha County. The Oxford Police Department maintains there is no confirmed evidence linking the two deaths, though both involved the same substance. Hamilton’s funeral is scheduled for October 2 in Colorado, while Strang’s family has requested privacy.
Mississippi Public Safety Commissioner Sean Tindell stated that the recent arrests of three men at an Oxford vape shop are not connected to the deaths of two University of Mississippi students. While autopsies for the deceased students are complete, toxicology reports are pending. The arrests stem from a separate investigation into the sale of illegal synthetic cannabinoids and kratom, with one suspect having fled the country after a 2022 indictment.
Week 4 results triggered significant AP Top 25 shifts, with Florida jumping to the top 10 after defeating Ole Miss, while Michigan and Penn State dropped out following home losses. Texas retained the No. 1 spot despite a narrow win over Tennessee, and Georgia moved up to No. 2 after dominating Oklahoma. New entrants included Boise State, UCLA, and Mississippi State, reflecting a volatile ranking landscape driven by upsets and strong performances from lower-ranked teams.
Florida football has entered the national conversation after a 52-28 victory over No. 6 Ole Miss, marking their first win against a top-five opponent since 2020. First-year coach Jon Sumrall’s aggressive, high-energy approach has transformed the team’s culture, resulting in a 4-0 record and a potential College Football Playoff appearance. The Gators’ offense, led by Jadan Baugh and Aaron Philo, overwhelmed the Rebels, while the defense forced critical turnovers. This performance snaps a long losing streak against ranked teams and positions Florida as a serious contender in the SEC.
Florida’s first-year coach Jon Sumrall led the Gators to a 52-28 victory over No. 6 Ole Miss, marking their first win against a top-five opponent since 2020. The offense, led by Jadan Baugh’s 142-yard, three-touchdown performance, dominated the game, while the defense secured a critical fumble recovery. This result snaps a 12-game losing streak against top-five teams and returns Florida to national prominence, with Baugh emerging as a serious Heisman candidate.
Florida defeated No. 4 Ole Miss 52-28 on Saturday, snapping a four-game losing streak against ranked teams and entering the College Football Playoff conversation. First-year coach Jon Sumrall is now the fifth FBS coach to reach the CFP in his debut season, a feat he would be the first to achieve from the SEC. The Gators' offense, led by Jadan Baugh and Aaron Philo, overwhelmed the Rebels, while the defense forced a critical fumble from Trinidad Chambliss. Florida is expected to jump into the top 10 of the AP poll for the first time since 2021.
Mississippi authorities are expediting toxicology tests for two University of Mississippi students found dead in Oxford, with results expected by next week. Police arrested two men and seized over 500 units of kratom from a local vape shop, though officials have not yet linked the raid to the deaths. If fentanyl is detected, state law allows for criminal charges against sellers.
Mississippi authorities arrested two men and seized over 500 units of kratom from an Oxford vape shop following the deaths of two University of Mississippi students. While toxicology results are pending, officials have not yet linked the raid to the deaths, though the discovery of kratom at both scenes has intensified scrutiny of local drug sales.