Clerk and Son Charged in Kratom Sale Linked to Student Deaths

Federal authorities have filed charges against a store clerk and his son for allegedly selling illegal kratom products during an investigation into the deaths of two University of Mississippi students. A regional drug task force previously warned the public against using kratom after discovering derivative packages while investigating the September 21 deaths.

While it remains undetermined if the substances caused the fatalities, federal prosecutors noted that both deaths appear consistent with drug overdoses. State agencies are working to expedite the students' toxicology reports, and narcotics officials stated that the investigation remains active with potential for additional charges.

According to federal court filings, bank records showed one of the deceased students made multiple purchases from an Oxford, Mississippi store in September. An informant sent to the business by investigators subsequently bought kratom-based pills from 51-year-old clerk Yahya Mohamed Mosleh, who allegedly warned the buyer to be careful because individuals were dying from the substance.

Authorities subsequently detained Mosleh and his 18-year-old son, Islam Yahya Mosleh, charging both with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. Defense attorneys for the defendants declined to comment following a magistrate judge's ruling that sufficient evidence existed to proceed with the charges.