Two University of Mississippi students have been found dead a drug investigation linked to packaged, unregulated herbal extract Kratom.
The students, who have not been identified, died on Tuesday at the University of Mississippi Campus in Oxford, according to Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Dr. Shawnboda Mead.
Shortly after the news broke, Mead slammed rumors spreading on social media that more students may be unaccounted for.
‘We encourage our community not to speculate about the circumstances or repeat information that has not been officially confirmed,’ she said.
But, the Lafayette County Metro Narcotics Unit shared a social media post stating that ‘packaged Kratom’ was located during both death investigations.
Kratom, an unregulated herbal extract, acts as a mild stimulant that people use for energy, pain relief, and managing withdrawal. It acts as an opioid in large doses.
The substance was sold from an unnamed retail store, police said.
It is unclear if Kratom or other substances played a role in their deaths, the agency said.
Two Ole Miss students died on Tuesday in what police believe was an apparent overdose
Dr. Shawnboda Mead, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, slammed the rumors spreading on social media related to the deaths
Authorities have warned people to refrain from ingesting Kratom or other substances that have not been prescribed by a medical professional.
‘Local, state, and federal partners are working collaboratively to gather the facts and provide answers as quickly and responsibly as possible,’ the agency said.
‘We are also working closely with the families involved and ask that their privacy be respected during an incredibly difficult time.’
Police also reminded the community that Narcan, an over-the-counter medication that reverses an opioid overdose, is available in vending machines across campus.
The university echoed the police, stating that their thoughts are with the friends, family, and loved ones of the two students.
The Daily Mail contacted the University of Mississippi and the Lafayette County Metro Narcotics Unit for comment.
