British police announced today, Friday, that they are investigating the deaths of 88 individuals who purchased products from online platforms in Canada. These platforms allegedly offer lethal substances to those inclined towards self-harm.
The investigation forms part of a broader international inquiry triggered by the arrest of Kenneth Lo in Canada earlier this year. Lo has been accused of advising and assisting in suicides.
Canadian law enforcement states that Lo, a resident of Toronto, utilized a series of online platforms to market and sell sodium nitrate. This substance, customarily used for meat curing, can be lethal when ingested. The police also added that Lo is suspected of dispatching a minimum of 1,200 packages to over 40 countries. Authorities in the United States, Italy, Australia, and New Zealand have also initiated investigations into the matter.
The UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) revealed that they identified 232 individuals within the United Kingdom who made purchases from these websites in the past two years up until April 2023. Out of these, 88 have died. The agency further stated it’s investigating whether any crimes were committed within the UK. However, “at this early stage, no definitive links exist between the items purchased from the websites and the cause of death in any of these cases.”
Deputy Director of the NCA, Craig Turner, remarked, “Our deepest sympathies lie with the families of those who passed away. They are receiving support from specially trained police officers.”
