The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has released a warning to the public that states packages containing sodium nitrite, a potentially lethal substance, may have been sent to individuals at risk of self-harm in communities across Ontario. Any package received from the following businesses must be brought to the local police service immediately: Imtime Cuisine, AmbuCA, Academic, ACademic, Escape Mode, escMode, or ICemac.
The packages may have been sent to over a dozen communities across Ontario and throughout the world. Excessive consumption of sodium nitrite can reduce oxygen-levels, impair breathing, and result in death. The OPP urges people to be vigilant of the online transactions and activity of family members, and the arrival of any unexpected packages in the mail.
The investigation is ongoing, although the Peel Regional Police have arrested a suspect believed to be responsible for providing this product. Kenneth Law, 57, of Mississauga is charged with two counts of counselling or aiding suicide.
Anyone with any information, or anyone who has received a package they suspect may contain sodium nitrIte, should contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at ontariocrimestoppers.ca.
Anyone struggling with mental health and wellness should call 1-833-456-4566 or visit talksuicide.ca.
