A Canadian man was arrested on Tuesday 2nd May 2023 in connection with aiding people to die by suicide by sending them a poisonous substance called sodium nitrite.
Kenneth Law, aged 57, is accused of sending over 1,200 packages containing the toxic substance to more than 40 countries worldwide, including the UK.
A recent study linked the poisonous substance to at least 20 deaths in the UK between January 2020 and February 2022. It is not known how these individuals obtained the chemical.
The National Crime Agency (NCA) in the UK is currently conducting checks on addresses where the substance may have been delivered, and working with Canadian authorities to identify potential cases of vulnerable people who may have purchased it.
Law has been charged with “counselling and aiding suicide” and faces up to 14 years in prison under Canada’s criminal code. The investigation into the case is ongoing.
Police in Canada began investigating the case after the sudden death of an adult in the Toronto area. During their investigation, they became aware of a second local death allegedly linked to Mr Law, who is accused of operating several companies offering the substance for sale.
Police say at least 1,200 packages were shipped to over 40 countries and say they are working with other police forces across Ontario, nationally and internationally, including Britain’s National Crime Agency.
Mr Law’s arrest comes after a recent investigation by The Times alleged that he had links to at least four deaths in the UK.
Speaking to Canada’s Globe and Mail newspaper, Mr Law defended his actions, stating that he sold a legal product and had no control over what people did with it.
