Police Clarify Kratom Warning After Ole Miss Student Deaths: What They're Saying
Law enforcement says more than 500 suspected kratom-related products were recovered, while advocates argue officials misstated the substance linked to the deaths.
- On Wednesday, American Kratom Association representative Mac Haddow accused Lafayette County law enforcement of providing "misleading information" regarding the deaths of two University of Mississippi students.
- Haddow argued the substances found were manufactured synthetic opioids, not traditional botanical kratom, after the Drug Enforcement Administration banned three such compounds on August 26, 2026.
- Defending its actions, the Lafayette County Metro Narcotics Unit stated investigators found packaging at both death scenes, prompting a public safety warning that was not a declaration of cause.
- Agents recovered more than 500 units of suspected substances during a search of Puffs Vape, Tobacco and Beer Store; employees Yahya Mohamed Mosleh and Islam Mohamed were arrested.
- The Metro Narcotics Unit urged the Mississippi Legislature to hold hearings and regulate emerging synthetic products, citing the need for legal tools to address rapid developments in drug manufacturing.
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Police near Ole Miss respond to suspected overdose, say 'not student-related' - NEW YORK TIMES POST
Officials release 911 dispatch call in Ole Miss student death Ole Miss TPUSA treasurer Symphany Grier joined ‘Fox & Friends First’ to discuss the tragic deaths of two students, Aidan Hamilton and Robert Strang. Grier highlights how these deaths have put a spotlight on the use of kratom, a controversial herbal extract sold online and [...]
Kratom advocate challenges statements following deaths
Mac Haddow, senior fellow on public policy for the American Kratom Association, accused local law enforcement Wednesday of providing misleading information about kratom in connection with the deaths of two University of Mississippi students. Haddow spoke during a news conference outside the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office, saying law enforcement agencies acted irresponsibly by publicly referring to a packaged kratom-related product found durin…
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