Lethal drug sale charges against Mississauga man prompts public warning from police

Peel Regional Police have issued a public safety announcement related to charges against a Mississauga man for the alleged online sale of a deadly substance to people in Mississauga and reportedly beyond city borders as well.

Kenneth Law, 57, most recently appeared in Brampton court earlier this month to answer to charges of two counts of counselling or aiding suicide.

Police issued their safety announcement today (June 16) and it can be viewed in the Twitter link below. It provides information related to the online sale of sodium nitrite and masks.

“A joint operation led by 11 police agencies from across Ontario is investigating all aspects of the case involving the sale and distribution of items that can cause self-harm,” Peel police said in a brief release Friday.

Public Safety Announcement: If you notice payment or transactions related to any of these online companies, please contact us at 1-888-714-0003 or email [email protected]. If you wish to remain anonymous, please call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). pic.twitter.com/XBVjP4Hn5K

— Peel Regional Police (@PeelPolice) June 16, 2023

The alleged online drug sales also prompted an earlier public safety advisory from Peel police, who issued the warning in the wake of the arrest in early May of a Mississauga man who’s suspected of selling chemicals that were later used by buyers to kill themselves.

“Peel Regional Police have commenced an investigation into the distribution of a lethal substance called sodium nitrite,” the earlier advisory stated. “It is a chemical substance commonly used as a food additive. However, when ingested in certain quantities, it can cause hazardous effects and potentially lead to death.”

Police add that if anyone receives a package they suspect may contain the substance, they are to call police immediately.

“We ask that the public be cautious and vigilant of online activities,” the police advisory continued, noting payment or transactions related to the following companies should be deemed suspicious, and reported to police:

• Imtime Cuisine
• AmbuCA
• Academic/ACademic
• Escape Mode/escMode
• ICemac

Investigators say a man marketed and sold sodium nitrite online, targeting people at risk of self-harm. They believe he sold it under the brands listed in their public safety advisory.

Sodium nitrite is a white, crystalline substance used in very low doses to speed up the curing of meats. It also gives the meat a pink colour.

The chemical can be sold online, and its links to suicide have been known for years. Its use can reduce oxygen levels, impair breathing and, ultimately, cause death.