[imagesource:pexels]

A disturbing story has emerged as the National Crime Agency (NCA) confirms that 88 individuals in the UK have died after purchasing a poisonous substance from an online seller based in Canada.

While the NCA cannot conclusively determine that the chemical was the direct cause of death, it is investigating potential criminal offences surrounding the case.

The NCA’s probe has intensified after Kenneth Law, aged 57, was arrested in Canada on charges of assisting suicide.

Law is alleged to have operated several websites selling equipment to facilitate suicide, including the distribution of a poisonous chemical to customers across more than 40 countries, including the UK. I guess that’s the scary reality of e-commerce gone unregulated.

The investigation was initiated by Peel Regional Police in Canada following the sudden death of an adult in the Toronto area. Since Law’s arrest, UK police forces have been conducting welfare visits to hundreds of addresses to track down individuals who purchased poison from him.

The NCA has identified 232 individuals in the UK who bought from Law over a two-year period, with 88 of them later succumbing to death. However, the agency is cautious as the full investigation gets under way, holding off on announcing a direct link between the chemicals found and the large amount of fatalities.

NCA Deputy Director Craig Turner expressed condolences to the families of those who passed on and stated that those affected, “are being supported by specially trained officers from police forces.”

David Parfett, whose son Tom Parfett died by suicide after purchasing a poisonous chemical from Law, voiced his anger at what he perceives as police inadequacies in preventing such tragedies.

“What can be done immediately to close down internet sites that prey on vulnerable young people and prosecute the people who take pleasure in helping others take their own life?”

Parfett makes an excellent point. People like Law (who think they’re above the law), can take advantage of poorly-monitored online spaces, leading to disturbing results. No to mention the added complexities of legal frameworks surrounding assisted suicide, which is a criminal offence in many countries. Euthanasia of a person in any form is illegal in South Africa, unless the court orders otherwise.

Law is currently in custody and is set to appear in court later this month. Under Canada’s criminal code, aiding a person in dying by suicide can lead to a prison sentence of up to 14 years. Not to be insensitive, but I wonder if Law keeps a capsule behind his tooth in instances such as this. Yeesh, dark stuff.

And remember, if you’re struggling with The Big Sad, there is always support. Don’t reach out to creepy dudes on the internet.

Suicide Crisis Hotline South Africa: 0800 567 567

[source:bbc]