The community at the University of Mississippi is reeling after two students, 18-year-old Aidan Hamilton and 20-year-old Robert Strang, were found dead in separate incidents on September 21. Real talk, the vibes are off right now, as both scenes reportedly featured packaging for 'Smax Pseudo-DHM' tablets—a synthetic version of kratom.
The details
According to court documents, investigators found Hamilton, who potentially died of a pulmonary edema, near these tablets. When first responders arrived at Strang’s residence, he was found unresponsive. The products in question list 'pseudoindoxyl' and 'MGM-15(DHM)' as ingredients. The DEA made waves on August 26 by placing mitragynine pseudoindoxyl into Schedule I, effectively banning its sale. Lab results are still pending to confirm the tablets’ exact contents, but the plot thickens as the product isn't even listed on the manufacturer's website, Modus.
The fallout
While police arrested two employees at an Oxford vape and tobacco shop in connection with drug distribution charges, officials clarified that this doesn't appear linked to Hamilton's death. Meanwhile, the owner of a gas station where Strang allegedly purchased his tablets noted that federal agents recently seized his entire kratom inventory.
Former prosecutor Neama Rahmani explained that selling Schedule I substances is lowkey illegal for anyone in the supply chain, though the DOJ has to prove intent for a conviction. 'It would be unlawful for anyone, whether it's a drug dealer or a gas station convenience store owner, to sell MGM-15 after it was categorized as Schedule I,' Rahmani said. He added that Modus could face both civil and criminal heat if their product is confirmed to contain the banned substance. The company has not responded to requests for comment.
