A Mississippi drug task force is warning people to avoid kratom.

The warning came after authorities found packages of the substance.

They were investigating the deaths of two University of Mississippi students.

The task force said Tuesday there is no confirmed information that kratom caused either death.

The students were found Monday afternoon in different locations.

One was on campus and one was off campus, a university spokesperson said.

On Thursday, the school identified them as Aidan Hamilton and Robert Strang.

Hamilton was a freshman from Englewood, Colorado, and Strang was a junior from Atlanta.

The university said their families have asked for privacy as they grieve.

Authorities said they found no evidence the deaths were connected.

They noted the kratom found at the scenes was sold at a retail store.

However, they did not name the store or say whether charges would be filed.

Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves said two state agencies were working to speed up toxicology reports.

He also said the state is praying for the families and friends of the two students.

Kratom is an herbal extract that acts as a stimulant at low doses and a sedative at high doses.

It is legal at the federal level, but some states and local governments have banned it.

The FDA warns it carries risks including liver toxicity, seizures and substance use disorder.

The agency says people should not use it.

Supporters, including the American Kratom Association, say pure kratom is a safe natural supplement.

They say it can ease pain and opioid withdrawal.