The coroner will investigate deaths in New Zealand believed to be linked to a Canadian man recently charged with distributing substances to help people commit suicide.
Kenneth Law, 57, has now been charged in connection to 14 deaths across the province of Ontario, the Canadian Press reported.
The charges allege Law sent lethal substances to people at risk of self harm. He is reported to have been a chef at a five-star hotel in Toronto.
Canadian police said they believe he sent at least 1200 packages to more than 40 countries, the news agency reported.
Now, the Coroners Court says New Zealand is suspected to be among those 40 countries.
“The Coroners Court has confirmed that it has received reports of deaths which are suspected to be linked to the activities of a Canadian man, who has been charged by Canadian police with counselling and aiding suicide,” a coronial spokeswoman said in a statement.
“The usual Coroners Court inquiry process will be followed in relation to the deaths.”
The statement said no further information was available because the matter was before the court.
Meanwhile, the UK’s National Crime agency has said it is investigating the deaths of 88 people who bought substances from Canadian websites reportedly aimed at suicidal people.
