Dutch authorities probe dozens of deaths linked to online drug sales
Several people may have died after using medication or drugs purchased from the website funcaps.nl, with sources cited by AD suggesting the number could involve dozens of deaths.
Investigators reportedly identified multiple fatalities among Dutch customers, including minors, though the newspaper could not confirm how many were directly linked to the substances. The Public Prosecution Service declined to comment.
The investigation began following a tip from the Health and Youth Care Inspectorate (IGJ) and police regarding the possible large-scale illegal sale of medicines, including highly addictive drugs used for anxiety and sleep disorders.
In August, the Intelligence and Investigation Service of the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) arrested three suspects in Limburg, including the two owners of Funcap, who did not have a license to sell medicines. Authorities seized a large quantity of medicines during searches of their homes and business premises and also took control of the Funcap website.
The two owners are scheduled to appear before a judge in Zwolle on Monday for the first preparatory hearing in the case.
Authorities are urging anyone who developed health complaints after purchasing products from Funcap to come forward.
