Third person overdoses in Oxford as police point to synthetic kratom products

• “Emergency medical personnel were able to revive the individual, who was alert and oriented when transported by ambulance for further medical care,” Oxford Police said.

A third person has overdosed in the Oxford area in another case that appears related to the presence of synthetic kratom products found at the scene. The person is expected to recover.

On Thursday at about 5 a.m., the Oxford Police Department received a report of another suspected overdose. The incident involved a 22-year-old who is not a student at the University of Mississippi.

Investigators noted in the department’s release that the individual possessed synthetic kratom products at the scene.

“Emergency medical personnel were able to revive the individual, who was alert and oriented when transported by ambulance for further medical care. The individual is expected to be OK,” Oxford Police stated. 

Kratom products found in this latest incident are believed to have been obtained from outside of the Oxford area.

This news comes after two overdose cases were reported in the Oxford area on September 21 which resulted in the deaths of an 18-year-old male from Colorado and a 20-year-old male from Georgia. Both were students at Ole Miss. Those cases occurred at separate scenes and are still under investigation to determine the cause of death and what, if any, substances may have been involved. Both scenes also included the presence of synthetic kratom products.

Following the student deaths, a tip submitted to the Oxford Police Department on September 24 resulted in the search of the Puffs Vape, Tobacco and Beer Store. Two of the business’ employees were arrested for possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute. Their arrest stemmed from the discovery of more than 500 units of synthetic kratom products, and THC vape cartridges and other controlled substances. 

Those suspects have since had a probable cause hearing on Thursday where the court determined that the case should move forward, resulting in both suspects facing federal charges for possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute. 

“Law enforcement has not stopped working this case. Investigators continue to review evidence and pursue additional information and additional charges may be forthcoming as the investigation develops,” Oxford Police stated.