US father and son arrested after 'gas station heroin' deaths

What the report says

BBC World News reports that a father and son who worked at a smoke shop in Mississippi have been arrested and charged in connection with the deaths of at least one and possibly two University of Mississippi students. Prosecutors identified the men as Yahya Mohamed Mosleh, 51, and Islam Yahya Mosleh, 18, and said they are accused of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances linked to the investigation.

According to the US Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Mississippi, investigators responded on 21 September to the death of an Ole Miss student in a dorm room and later found a second student dead elsewhere that same day. In both cases, authorities say they found packages containing suspected kratom derivatives, with some tablets missing. Prosecutors said the materials were connected to a local vape, tobacco and beer store where the pair worked, and search warrants later led to seizures at the shop.

The report says the deaths have not been officially attributed to kratom, but officials issued warnings after the incidents. Kratom is a plant-based substance with opioid-like effects that is legal in some US states, including Mississippi, although certain derivatives have been placed on the federal schedule I list. The case has drawn attention because of renewed concern over products sometimes marketed as “gas station heroin” and sold in retail settings.