Amer Alowdi, the owner of Puffs Vape, Tobacco and Beer Store in Oxford, Mississippi, fled the country after being indicted in 2022 on allegations involving the trafficking of hundreds of doses of an illegal synthetic cannabinoid, according to court records. The store was raided during an investigation into the deaths of two Ole Miss students. Authorities also seized packaged kratom, which is illegal in Lafayette County, and arrested two men. The records describe earlier narcotics investigations involving Alowdi.
| 1) | Recent raid follows Ole Miss student deaths |
|---|---|
| 2) | Earlier indictment alleged synthetic cannabinoid trafficking |
| 3) | Investigators traced products from Oxford to Tupelo |
| 4) | Three Yemen-born men identified in the investigation |
| 5) | Alowdi faces potential penalties if convicted |
Recent raid follows Ole Miss student deaths
Law enforcement raided Puffs Vape, Tobacco and Beer Store during the week before September 28, 2026. The action came as authorities investigated the deaths of University of Mississippi students Robert Strang, 20, and Aidan Hamilton, 18. Officials said packaged kratom was found at two locations connected to the investigation. Kratom is often marketed for pain relief or opioid withdrawal, but health experts warn that it can cause dependence, dangerous interactions and other complications.
Police said the operation resulted in the discovery of 500 units and the arrests of Yahya Mohamed Mosleh, 51, and Islam Mohamed, 18. The deaths were described as suspicious. Available records do not establish that the seized products caused either death or that Alowdi was responsible for the deaths.
Earlier indictment alleged synthetic cannabinoid trafficking
Court documents say Alowdi was indicted in 2022 after narcotics investigators examined alleged sales of an illegal synthetic cannabinoid. The documents say he left the United States before formal prosecution could proceed. In 2024, Alowdi sought dismissal of the charges, but a court denied the motion. An indictment is not a finding of guilt.
The earlier investigation began with two controlled purchases in March 2020. Agents reportedly bought cartridges believed to contain the prohibited cannabinoid from a gas station and convenience store on Lamar Boulevard in Oxford. The business was described as owned and operated by Alowdi.
Investigators traced products from Oxford to Tupelo
An incident report says that on March 20, 2020, two agents from the Lafayette County Metro Narcotics Unit followed Alowdi from his Oxford business to a warehouse in Tupelo. Investigators said he collected boxes containing unidentified items. At the warehouse, agents reportedly saw Alowdi and two other men load boxes into vehicles, including a yellow Penske box truck.
Agents followed Alowdi toward Oxford and stopped him for allegedly speeding. The report says he consented to a vehicle search. Investigators seized vape products, cartridges believed to contain the illegal cannabinoid and boxes of Viagra. Alowdi was not arrested because authorities were awaiting laboratory testing. Officers told him he could face additional charges after the results were available.
Three Yemen-born men identified in the investigation
A Department of Homeland Security source identified Alowdi and the two men arrested in the recent kratom case as having been born in Yemen. The source said all three are naturalized U.S. citizens. The information provided different arrival dates: Yahya Mohammed Ali Mosleh entered in 1992, Alowdi entered in 2014, and Islam Yahya Mohamed Mosleh entered in February 2024.
The immigration details are part of the background being examined alongside the narcotics allegations. They do not, by themselves, establish a connection between citizenship status, country of birth and the alleged offenses. The recent arrests and older indictment are separate investigative developments.
Alowdi faces potential penalties if convicted
If convicted on the synthetic cannabinoid trafficking allegations, Alowdi could face up to 40 years in prison and a fine of as much as $1 million, according to court documents. His reported departure has prevented the case from moving to formal prosecution, while his 2024 dismissal motion was unsuccessful.
The investigation remains active as authorities assess the student deaths, the kratom seizures and the earlier controlled purchases. The records describe surveillance, vehicle searches, seized products and laboratory testing. None of the allegations should be treated as a conviction unless established in court.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Oxford police raided a vape shop during an investigation involving two Ole Miss student deaths. |
| 2 | Court records say the owner was indicted in 2022 over alleged synthetic cannabinoid trafficking. |
| 3 | Police reported seizing 500 units of kratom and arresting two men. |
Summary
The Oxford investigation links a recent vape shop raid to the deaths of two Ole Miss students and the seizure of packaged kratom. Older court records describe a separate synthetic cannabinoid case involving the store owner. Authorities are continuing to examine the evidence, and the allegations have not been resolved by convictions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the Oxford vape shop raided?
Authorities raided the shop during an investigation into the deaths of two Ole Miss students. Packaged kratom, which is illegal in Lafayette County, was found at two connected sites.
What was Alowdi indicted for?
Court documents say Alowdi was indicted in 2022 over alleged trafficking of hundreds of doses of an illegal synthetic cannabinoid. He reportedly left the country before formal prosecution.
Were the seized substances conclusively linked to the deaths?
The available information does not establish that the seized kratom or another substance caused the deaths. Authorities are continuing to investigate.
