Mississippi authorities said they’re investigating whether the deaths of two college students are linked to packages of kratom, a plant-based psychoactive drug, discovered near their bodies.
Lafayette County Metro Narcotics teams said the two University of Mississippi students were found dead in separate locations Monday. Officials have not shared the students’ identities.
Local police said they have no evidence to suggest the two deaths were connected, but both victims had retail kratom products close by.
“Out of an abundance of caution, we encourage everyone to avoid kratom and any other medication or substance that was not prescribed to you or obtained from a trusted, regulated source,” the police said.
The Drug Enforcement Administration said kratom can act as a stimulant in low doses but has sedative effects if too much is consumed.
The drug is often sold at minimarts and gas stations and is treated as an alternative to opioid-based substances, such as pain pills. A few states have banned some of kratom’s most consequential ingredients to prevent potential abuse.
Ole Miss said it’s heartbroken by the two students’ deaths and advised people to let the investigation come to any further conclusions.
“We are aware that considerable unverified information is circulating on social media and in the community regarding these recent student deaths,” Shawnboda Mead, the university’s vice chancellor for Student Affairs, said in a statement.
“The Coroner’s Office has confirmed two student deaths, and University Police are not aware of any additional student deaths. University Police remain in contact with local and state law enforcement, and the causes of the two deaths are still under investigation,” she said.
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