Lafayette County Metro Narcotics Unit searches Oxford vape store, arrests two

The Lafayette County Metro Narcotics Unit executed a search warrant Sept. 24 at Puffs Vape, Tobacco and Beer Store in the 100 block of Heritage Drive in Oxford, according to a release from the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office.

The release said the search followed information about the alleged sale of illegal substances at the business and a controlled purchase conducted during the investigation. Agents recovered more than 500 units of kratom, along with THC cartridges, gummies and other suspected narcotics, the release said.

Kratom has been prohibited from possession, distribution and sale within the city of Oxford since 2019, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

Yahya Mohamed Mosleh, 51, of Oxford, and Islam Mohamed, 18, of Oxford, were arrested and charged with possession of Schedule I controlled substances with intent to distribute, the release said. The charges are allegations.

The release said business owner Amer Alowdi, 40, was indicted in 2022 for trafficking narcotics and fled the country before prosecution.

The investigation was ongoing, and additional charges may be forthcoming, according to the Sheriff’s Office. The release said the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics and other local, state and federal law enforcement partners assisted with the investigation.

Source: Original source announcement