Devendra Kumar
A Canadian national, Kenneth Law, has been charged with 12 additional offenses in connection with allegedly selling lethal substances to assist people with suicide, including those in Ireland. Law, 57, was initially arrested in Ontario and charged with two counts of counselling and aiding suicide after it was discovered that he had sold approximately 1,200 packages to 40 countries. According to Inspector Simon James of York Police, Law had been using the internet to sell the lethal substances since late 2020. The new charges brought against Law relate to 11 individuals who died in the province of Ontario.
Inspector James announced during a press conference that Law’s alleged activities had caught the attention of police forces in several countries, including the United States, Italy, Australia, and New Zealand. The officer revealed that York Police was regularly in contact with these foreign police services, suggesting a coordinated international effort to bring Law to justice. The investigation is ongoing, with Law due to appear in court again on September 8th.
Law’s case has sparked concerns about the availability of lethal substances online and the potential risks of suicides facilitated by such means. The availability of support services is also being highlighted, with Inspector James encouraging anyone struggling with mental health issues to seek help from organizations such as the Samaritans. The organization provides free support to those in crisis, with services available by phone, email, and online.
In related news, Law’s initial court appearance took place on Friday at Brampton court, where he pleaded not guilty to the original charges. The matter is currently proceeding at the Brampton courthouse, and it remains to be seen what evidence will be presented against Law and how the case will ultimately unfold.