Probe launched into 88 deaths in UK linked to 'poison seller'

The deaths of 88 people across the UK are being investigated over potential links to poison bought on the web - ITV News' Sam Holder reports

An investigation has been launched into the deaths of 88 people in the UK who bought products from Canada-based websites that were selling substances to assist with suicide.

It comes after Canadian Kenneth Law, 57, was arrested in Ontario and charged with two counts of counselling and aiding suicide after allegedly selling a lethal substance to people across the world.

It has been reported that Law is accused of sending 1,200 packages to 40 countries and is now also being investigated by police in the United States, Italy, Australia and New Zealand.

The National Crime Agency (NCA) received information in April suggesting that a number of people in the UK had purchased products from Canada-based websites that were selling substances to assist with suicide, which it passed on to police forces.

In total, 232 individuals in the UK were identified as having purchased products from the websites in a two-year period up to April 2023.

The NCA said that 88 of those people have died.

The law enforcement agency added that “at this early stage there are no confirmed links between the items purchased from the websites and cause of death in any of these cases”.

National Crime Agency deputy director, Craig Turner, said: “Our deepest sympathies are with the loved ones of those who have died. They are being supported by specially trained officers from police forces.

“In consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service, the NCA has taken the decision to conduct an investigation into potential criminal offences committed in the UK. This operation is underway.”

Anyone who needs support can call Samaritans free of charge on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website.

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