Dutch authorities are investigating dozens of deaths linked to online drug sales.
Dutch authorities have launched a wide-ranging investigation into deaths suspected to be caused by drugs and medications purchased from the Dutch site funcaps.nl, amid estimates suggesting that the number of deaths could reach several dozens.
According to the AD newspaper, investigators have discovered several deaths among Dutch buyers, including minors, while it remains unclear how many deaths are directly related to the substances sold through the platform. The Dutch Public Prosecution Service (Openbaar Ministerie) has refrained from commenting on the case.
The investigation began after the Health and Youth Care Inspectorate (Inspectie Gezondheidszorg en Jeugd – IGJ) and the police received information about a widespread illegal sale of drugs, including highly addictive substances commonly used to treat anxiety and sleep disorders.
In August, the intelligence and investigation service of the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA – Inlichtingen- en Opsporingsdienst van de Nederlandse Voedsel- en Warenautoriteit) arrested three suspects in Limburg, including the owners of Funcap, who are alleged to have operated without a license to sell medicines. Authorities seized large quantities of medicines from their homes and business premises, and also shut down the Funcap website.
The owners are scheduled to appear before a judge in the city of Zwolle on Monday for the first preparatory session of the case. Meanwhile, authorities urge anyone who has suffered health issues after purchasing products from Funcap to come forward and report immediately.