Authorities found kratom during investigations into two Mississippi student deaths

Authorities found packaged kratom purchased from a retail store during investigations into the deaths of two University of Mississippi students, according to a Lafayette County Metro Narcotics news release shared by the Oxford Police Department. The students died Monday at separate locations on campus, Fox News reported. The Hill reported that the local narcotics team said Tuesday kratom was found in both investigations.

Authorities have not confirmed whether kratom played a role in the deaths, Fox News reported. The outlet described kratom as a plant-based substance and reported that experts warned it can have opioid-like effects, cause dependence and slow breathing. Fox News quoted Dr. Marc Siegel saying its effects vary by dose. Jessica Steinman warned that combining kratom with alcohol, marijuana or benzodiazepines can become lethal.