88 Deaths Linked To Suicide Kits Sent From Canada

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An investigation into 88 deaths in the U.K. revealed Friday that suicide kits sent from Canada are linked to each instance, the U.K. National Crime Agency said.

Lethal substances were allegedly purchased and delivered to people at risk of self harm from websites based in Canada, according to CBS News. International inquiries of Kenneth Law, an online merchant who sold sodium nitrate, led to the U.K. probe. Sodium nitrate is a commonly used meat-curing substance that can be deadly when ingested. Law was arrested and charged with two counts of counseling and aiding suicide.

British police are investigating the deaths of 88 people in the U.K. who bought products from Canada-based websites allegedly offering lethal substances to people at risk of self harm, the country’s National Crime Agency said. https://t.co/a0qxhE9IjY

— CBS News (@CBSNews) August 25, 2023

There are 232 identified U.K. residents who purchased products from Law’s website within the past two years until April, Britain’s National Crime Agency said. Approximately 38% of Law’s U.K. customers have died since then. However, it is not yet confirmed whether the items purchased from Law’s websites caused these deaths, according to the agency. (RELATED: EXCLUSIVE: Rep. Biggs, House Republicans Demand VA Explain Suicide Rate Discrepancies)

Law allegedly mailed at least 1,200 packages to more than 40 countries, according to police. Investigations have also been launched by the United States, Italy, Australia and New Zealand.

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

England and Wales reported 5,583 suicides in 2021, according to U.K. government statistics. In 2022, 50,000 Americans committed suicide, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported. There are an estimated 700,000 suicides per year around the world, according to the World Health Organization.