The Dutch authorities are investigating 33 deaths allegedly involving a mysterious powder. According to the public prosecutor’s office, this substance is a “suicide powder” that is sold by the Last Will Cooperative.
Probably many more people have taken the deadly drug known as “Substance X”. Members of the association told the media that they had sold the substance to over a hundred people.
The cooperative, which has been promoting the drug as a cheap and painless method of dying since 2018, is in the eyes of the public prosecutor a criminal organization that provides illegal aiding and abetting in suicide.
Also charged with money laundering
The public prosecutor has charged a 28-year-old member of the cooperative with illegal drug distribution and money laundering. Charges of illegal aiding and abetting in suicide are also expected.
Bart Vaessen, spokesman for the prosecutor, said: “We are investigating 33 cases in which Substance X has been sold to people who later died. In 15 of these cases it was found that they died from taking substance X. “
Accompanied suicide is legal in the Netherlands under very strict conditions and under the supervision of healthcare professionals. Aiding and abetting suicide or providing a remedy outside of the strict rules is punishable by imprisonment of up to three years.
The members of the organization assert that they always acted within the strict law.
Strict euthanasia law
The Netherlands was the first country in the world to legalize active euthanasia. Doctors have to adhere to the following criteria in order not to make themselves liable to prosecution:
The patient’s request for euthanasia is deliberate and entirely voluntary.
If the patient can no longer express his will, the patient must have specified his wish to die in advance (if legally competent) in writing.
The patient’s condition is hopeless and his suffering unbearable.
The doctor provided the patient with comprehensive information about the situation and medical treatment options.
Both the doctor and the patient believe that these treatment options are not acceptable solutions for the patient’s situation.
The attending physician will contact at least one additional, independent physician who will examine the patient and prepare a written statement on criteria 1-4.
Euthanasia is carried out with the “necessary care”.
In the Netherlands, minors aged 12 and over can also seek active euthanasia or assistance in suicide. Up to the age of 15, parents or legal guardians must agree to your child’s request. 16- and 17-year-olds can make their own decisions. (gf)