An investigation has been launched into the deaths of 88 folks within the UK who purchased substances from Canadian web sites focused at suicidal people.

It comes after Kenneth Law, 57, was arrested in May and charged in Ontario on two counts of counselling and aiding suicide.

Officers stated they believed the Canadian national "distributed and marketed [a] substance online to target individuals at risk of self-harm".

The investigation has since been expanded and now the UK's National Crime Agency (NCA) has revealed it has recognized 232 folks within the UK who purchased gadgets from the Canadian web sites within the two years as much as April 2023.

Of these, 88 died.

A spokesperson cautioned that "at this early stage" it couldn't be confirmed that the web site purchases brought on any of the deaths - however stated every case was now being investigated.

Peel Regional Police in Ontario stated that the chemical bought on-line was "a white, crystalline substance" generally utilized in meals processing which may "reduce oxygen-levels, impair breathing and can result in death" if consumed in adequate quantities.

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Reports say Law is suspected of sending 1,200 packages to addresses in 40 nations, with police investigations additionally underway within the US, Italy, Australia and New Zealand.

NCA deputy director, Craig Turner, stated: "Our deepest sympathies are with the family members of those that have died. They are being supported by specifically educated 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."

Law is because of subsequent seem in courtroom in Ontario on Friday, in accordance with native media.

Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can name Samaritans for assistance on 116 123 or e mail jo@samaritans.org within the UK.