By Dominic Cansdale and Mackenzie Colahan, ABC
Detective Inspector Mark Mooney says police are investigating additional deaths. Photo: ABC / Dominic Cansdale
Three people have been charged over the alleged assisted suicide of a man on the Gold Coast, with investigations into other deaths as far back as 2021 also underway.
The 43-year-old man died at Hope Island on 11 April this year.
Police say toxicology results showed the man died from acute pentobarbitone toxicity - a veterinary drug listed as a schedule two substance under the Drugs Misuse Regulation 1987.
Detectives from the Gold Coast Criminal Investigation Branch and the Homicide Investigation Unit launched an investigation in July after the Coroner's office conducted an examination into the man's cause of death.
They looked into the man's health, treatment and the circumstances leading up to his death.
Police allege a 53-year-old Main Beach man supplied the drug for the purpose of ending the 43-year-old's life.
He has been charged with with two counts of aiding suicide and one count each of trafficking in dangerous drugs, possessing dangerous drugs and receiving or possessing property obtained from trafficking or supplying.
The man is due to face Southport Magistrates Court on Thursday.
Detective Inspector Mark Mooney alleged the man was "deliberately targeting vulnerable people, taking advantage of them in their most desperate moments".
"Queensland has very strict legal processes in place for people who are considering end-of-life options," he said.
"These safeguards exist to ensure proper oversight, consent and protection for those involved.
"Circumventing those processes undermines the protections in place and puts lives at risk."
An 81-year-old Southport woman has been charged with one count each of aiding suicide, trafficking dangerous drugs, possession of dangerous drugs and sale of potential harmful things.
She is due to face Southport Magistrates Court on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, an 80-year-old man from Ashmore has been charged with one count each of trafficking in dangerous drugs and possessing dangerous drugs.
He is expected to face court on 26 September.
Detective Inspector Mooney said police were investigating additional deaths and were asking anyone with information about a business called End of Life Services to come forward.
"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."
Investigations are ongoing.
- ABC
