An investigation into a death of a man is allegedly linked to an illicit end-of-life drug supply network.
Queensland Police have confirmed the case stems from the death of a 43-year-old man at Hope Island on the Gold Coast on 11 April and three people have been charged.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Three people charged following alleged aided suicide death of Hope Island man
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Toxicology results revealed the man died from acute pentobarbital toxicity, a drug commonly used by vets to euthanise animals and strictly regulated under Queensland law.
“He had suffered medical conditions for a long period of time. These conditions did not meet voluntary assisted dying laws in Queensland,” Detective Inspector Mark Mooney said.
“Queensland has very strict legal processes in place for people who are considering end-of-life options.
“These safeguards exist to ensure proper oversight, consent and protection for those involved.
“Circumventing these processes undermines the protections in place and puts lives at risk.”
“Police allege a 53-year-old man from Main Beach supplied the drug to the victim with the intention of ending his life.
“It is alleged that the offender deliberately targeted vulnerable individuals and took advantage of them at their most desperate moments.”
The man has now been charged with two counts of aiding suicide and one count each of trafficking and possessing dangerous drugs, and of receiving or possessing property obtained from trafficking or supplying.
Police allege he obtained the drugs through deception from a legitimate supplier by setting up a registered charity, which claimed to euthanise whales humanely.
“We allege that’s just a front to supply this business.”
Pentobarbital can be ingested or injected and Mooney said the accused charged “significantly more” than he paid for the drug.
“There is clear payment for all of these transactions. We will allege he has not acted compassionately at all. This is a business transaction. This is why he’s doing it for pure money,” he said.
An 81-year-old woman from Southport is facing charges of aiding suicide, drug trafficking, drug possession and selling harmful substances.
An 80-year-old man from Ashmore has been charged with drug trafficking and possession of drugs.
Mooney confirmed that the 53-year-old and the 80-year-old are father and son.
All three cases will be heard at Southport Magistrates’ Court later this month.
The maximum penalty for assisting suicide is life imprisonment.
Mooney confirmed police are investigating other deaths potentially linked to the same network.
“So far, detectives are investigating numerous other deaths dating back to 2021, in which the defendant allegedly had dealings with the deceased.
“We believe this number could grow as the investigation continues.
“At the moment, we assume the number is greater than 20.”
Mooney said they had used the Victorian police to search the house of the accused mother under a search warrant, resulting in the discovery of a large quantity of drugs.
Police are encouraging anyone with information to come forward.
“We urge anyone who may have information relevant to this investigation, or who has engaged with a business called End of Life Services, to come forward and speak with detectives,” Mooney said.
The investigation remains ongoing.
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