Montreal police are currently investigating the case of an Ontario man who allegedly sent sodium nitrite, a potentially lethal substance, to residents in the area. The man, Kenneth Law, is facing multiple counts related to aiding or counseling suicide. The Peel Regional Police arrested Law in May after investigating two local deaths. Subsequently, on August 29, additional charges were laid, bringing the total to 14 counts of counseling or aiding suicide in Ontario.
Law is accused of operating websites that sold sodium nitrite and other suicide paraphernalia to at-risk clients. It is believed that he sold the substance not only in Canada but also in over 40 countries. Sodium nitrite can be fatal when consumed in large doses.
In addition to Canadian authorities, investigators in the United Kingdom, the United States, New Zealand, Italy, and Ireland are also looking into Law’s connection to suicides in their respective countries. British investigators have identified 272 individuals, 88 of whom have died, who purchased products from Canadian-based websites allegedly linked to Law.
The Service de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM) has taken over the Montreal-based investigation from the Peel Regional Police. They have urged individuals to be vigilant, as packages allegedly shipped to Montreal may be labeled with company names such as Academic, Escape Mode, Imtime Cuisine, AmbuCA, and ICemac. These packages may contain powdered sodium nitrite, which can be deadly if ingested in high doses and may cause skin irritation if handled without gloves.
The SPVM has urged anyone in possession of such a package to contact 911, as well as individuals with information related to the case. Suicide aiding or counseling is a criminal offense punishable by imprisonment under the Criminal Code. If you or someone you know is struggling, there are resources available to help.