Two employees of an Oxford vape store face federal drug charges and remain in custody after new details emerged about their alleged involvement in selling synthetic kratom that prosecutors say contributed to two overdose deaths.
Federal prosecutors identified the suspects as Yahya Mosleh, 51, and Islam Mosleh, 18. Both appeared in court on Thursday, where a judge found probable cause to pursue charges of possessing a controlled substance with intent to distribute. Prosecutors have also labeled the pair as flight risks and requested the revocation of their $20,000 bonds.
According to an arrest affidavit, the investigation began when Lafayette County Metro Narcotics agents sent a confidential informant to Puffs Vape, Tobacco and Beer Store. The informant inquired about "7-OH Kratom-based pills," a synthetic product allegedly tied to multiple deaths. A clerk reportedly confirmed the store sold the pills and warned the informant to "be careful taking the pills, because people are dying from them."
Oxford police executed a search warrant on the store, leading to the seizure of 500 kratom and similar products, as well as THC cartridges, gummies, and pre-roll items. Among the items recovered were packages of Smax Mango Breeze MGM-15 synthetic kratom tablets, which prosecutors say match products discovered near the body of 19-year-old University of Mississippi student Aidan Hamilton. Toxicology reports, not yet publicly released but referenced in court, reportedly show Hamilton and fellow student Robert Strang, also 19, had identical substances in their systems before their overdoses on September 21.
Court documents reveal that the pills contained Mitragynine, MGM-15, and MGPI, substances linked to the Smax Mango Breeze products. Prosecutors allege the store continued selling these banned substances despite kratom's prohibition in Oxford and Lafayette County.
Further suspicions surround Islam Mosleh, an Oxford High School student. A school resource officer previously raised concerns that he might have been selling THC vapes to classmates. Similar vape products were discovered in his backpack and pockets during the investigation.
Prosecutors also noted ties to foreign countries, pointing out that the suspects have connections in Egypt and Yemen. They believe these associations increase the risk of the men fleeing before trial. The store’s owner, identified as 40-year-old Amer Alowdi, has been a fugitive since being indicted on narcotics trafficking charges in 2022.
“This case checks all the boxes for detention,” noted court documents. Prosecutors cited factors such as the deaths of two individuals, threats to public safety, distribution of banned substances to minors, and the suspects’ potential for flight.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities stress that synthetic kratom products pose significant risks to consumers, particularly in areas where they are prohibited.