Two people are behind bars for the alleged sale of illegal substances at an Oxford beer and tobacco store.
The Lafayette County Metro Narcotics Unit announced Friday that Yahya Mosleh, 51, and Islam Mohamed, 18, were arrested and charged with possession of Schedule I controlled substances with intent to distribute. The arrests follow police making controlled purchase of alleged illegal substances from Puffs Vape, Tobacco, and Beer Store on Heritage Drive.
After buying the substances, police were able to obtain a search warrant. When assessing the store, authorities said they recovered more than 500 units of kratom, along with an assortment of THC cartridges, gummies and other suspected narcotics. Kratom has been prohibited from possession, distribution and sale within the City of Oxford since 2019.
Packaged kratom was also found at the sites where two Ole Miss students passed away on Monday. Officials have not confirmed whether or not the kratom highlighted in investigation into the students’ deaths was purchased from Puffs Vape, Tobacco, and Beer Store.
In 2022, the store’s owner, Alowdi, 40, was indicted for trafficking narcotics. Alowdi fled the country before prosecution, police noted. It is unclear what efforts, if any, are being exhausted to bring him back to the U.S.
“For years, our community has taken a clear position regarding these types of products. We have educated businesses, conducted compliance checks and worked aggressively to prevent illegal and potentially dangerous substances from being sold in Oxford,” a release from the Lafayette County Metro Narcotics Unit reads.
“Despite those efforts, some individuals and businesses continue to put profit ahead of the safety of the people who live, work and attend school in our community. Our message is direct: if you choose to illegally sell these substances in our community, expect law enforcement to come looking for you. We will investigate. We will obtain warrants. We will seize illegal products, and we will hold those responsible accountable.”
Law enforcement said additional charges may be forthcoming as the investigation into this case continues.
