Three charged as Gold Coast euthanasia drug investigation widens

Queensland Police believe an animal euthanasia drug was supplied so a man could end his life. Photo / QPS Media

Three people have been charged after Gold Coast police uncovered a business they suspect was supplying euthanasia drugs to “vulnerable people”.

An investigation into the death of a 43-year-old man has led the authorities to believe up to 20 deaths could be connected to a large-scale euthanasia operation, 9News reports.

The Hope Island man was supplied with pentobarbitone before his death on April 11 this year.

Queensland Police now believe the animal euthanasia drug was given to him by a 53-year-old Main Beach man.

The man has been connected to “End of Life Services”, a business that is suspected to have illegally provided several Queenslanders with life-ending drugs.

Detective Inspector Mark Mooney said the ongoing investigation into the incident involved multiple specialist departments.

He was emphatic about the danger the Main Beach man had presented to the community.

“The alleged offender is deliberately targeting vulnerable people, taking advantage of them in their most desperate moments.”

Mooney also confirmed police had identified a possible pattern of related crimes.

“So far, detectives are looking into numerous other deaths dating back to 2021 where it is alleged the defendant has had dealings with the deceased person,” he said.

“We believe this number could grow as the investigation continues.”

Two other people are facing charges in relation to the Hope Island death, an 81-year-old woman and an 80-year-old man.

All three are due to appear in court this month.

The state of Queensland implemented a voluntary assisted dying (VAD) scheme in 2023.

VAD has strict eligibility criteria and involves a protracted assessment process.

Mooney reiterated the importance of these safeguards in his statement and said they ensure “proper oversight, consent and protection for those involved”.

“Circumventing those processes undermines the protections in place and puts lives at risk,” he said.

He urged anyone with information to approach the police.

Where to get help:

• Lifeline: Call 0800 543 354 or text 4357 (HELP) (available 24/7)

• Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)

• Youth services: (06) 3555 906

• Youthline: Call 0800 376 633 or text 234

• What’s Up: Call 0800 942 8787 (11am to 11pm) or webchat (11am to 10.30pm)

• 0800 Anxiety Helpline: 0800 269 4389 (0800 ANXIETY). This service is confidential and free of charge. Open 24/7.

• Depression helpline: Call 0800 111 757 or text 4202 (available 24/7)

• Helpline: Need to talk? Call or text 1737

• Aoake te Rā (Bereaved by Suicide Service): Call 0800 000 053

If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.