Three arrested after investigation into Gold Coast man's death uncovers alleged euthanasia drug ring
Queensland police say toxicology found pentobarbitone in a 43-year-old man's system; detectives warn more deaths may be linked
Three people have been arrested in Queensland after an investigation into the April death of a 43-year-old man on Hope Island on the Gold Coast uncovered allegations of trafficking and supplying a veterinary euthanasia drug, police said Monday.
Toxicology results, released by the coroner, found the man died from pentobarbitone, also known as pentobarbital, a Schedule 2 drug used by veterinarians to euthanise animals. Queensland Police said detectives spent months examining the deceased man’s health, care and treatment in the period before his death.
A 53-year-old man was charged with two counts of aiding suicide, one count of trafficking in dangerous drugs, one count of possessing dangerous drugs and one count of receiving or possessing property obtained from trafficking or supplying, police said. He is due to reappear at Southport Magistrates Court on Sept. 18.
An 81-year-old woman faces one count each of aiding suicide, trafficking in dangerous drugs, possession of dangerous drugs and sale of potentially harmful things; she is due to reappear at Southport Magistrates Court on Sept. 16. An 80-year-old man was charged with one count each of trafficking in dangerous drugs and possessing dangerous drugs and is due to reappear on Sept. 26, police said.
Detective Inspector Mark Mooney of the Gold Coast Criminal Investigation Branch said investigators are examining "numerous other deaths dating back to 2021" where the accused is alleged to have had dealings with the deceased, and that the number of possible linked deaths could grow as the probe continues. "The alleged offender is deliberately targeting vulnerable people, taking advantage of them in their most desperate moments," Insp. Mooney said.
The investigation involved detectives from multiple specialist units, police said. Insp. Mooney urged anyone with information relevant to the case or who had engaged with a business called End of Life Services to contact detectives.
Queensland Police reiterated that the state has strict legal processes for people considering end-of-life options, and said those safeguards exist to ensure oversight, consent and protection. Police said circumventing those processes undermines protections and puts lives at risk.
Pentobarbitone, commonly referred to as pentobarbital, is classified as a Schedule 2 drug for veterinary use and is not approved for human euthanasia in Australia. Its presence in the man's toxicology results prompted the coroner's conclusion on cause of death and triggered the subsequent criminal investigation.
Police said inquiries are ongoing. Anyone with information was asked to contact police, and support services were listed for people affected by the reporting: 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) and Lifeline 13 11 14.