Police uncover euthanasia drug ring tied to 20 shocking deaths

Content warning: This article contains references to death and assisted dying that may be distressing for some readers.

A man accused of orchestrating Queensland’s largest-ever illegal assisted dying operation has faced charges after police linked the scheme to multiple deaths.

Authorities allege he profited from selling a restricted veterinary drug to vulnerable people desperate for help.

What detectives uncovered painted a disturbing picture of exploitation and deception.

The case began after a 43-year-old man was found dead at Hope Island on 11 April.

Toxicology tests revealed acute pentobarbital toxicity—the same drug commonly used to euthanise animals and tightly controlled under Queensland law.

Police said the man had a disability but did not meet the strict requirements for voluntary assisted dying, which became legal in the state in January 2023 under regulated conditions.

Gold Coast man charged

Detectives alleged that 53-year-old Brett Daniel Taylor ran a business called End of Life Services, which supplied the drug unlawfully with the intention of helping people end their lives.

He was arrested at Main Beach and charged with aiding suicide, drug trafficking, possession of dangerous drugs, and receiving property obtained through crime.

Investigators claimed Taylor obtained pentobarbital through false pretences by setting up a fake charity called Cetacean Compassion Australia Ltd, supposedly dedicated to euthanising distressed whales.

He stressed that the scheme deliberately targeted vulnerable individuals, exploiting them when they were most desperate.

Family members also charged

Taylor allegedly worked alongside his 80-year-old father and an 81-year-old woman from Southport.

Both were also charged with serious drug and suicide-related offences after raids on their homes uncovered large quantities of the restricted drug.

Body-worn police footage showed officers opening boxes filled with the substance during searches.

Linked to at least 20 deaths

Mooney emphasised that this was not an act of compassion but a profit-driven enterprise.

Police now believe the operation may be linked to at least 20 deaths since 2021, with more cases under investigation and further charges possible.

Taylor remained in custody and was expected to appear in Southport Magistrates Court later this month.

Authorities urged anyone with information about End of Life Services to come forward.

If you need help in a crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. For further information about depression contact beyondblue on 1300 224 636 or speak to your GP, local health professional or someone you trust.

While this case raised troubling questions about how vulnerable people can be taken advantage of, it also highlighted the importance of having clear and compassionate laws around end-of-life choices.

Legal safeguards are meant to provide protection, but many argue the system still has gaps that make it difficult for those in genuine need to access voluntary assisted dying with dignity.

One recent story explored proposed changes that could reshape how people approach their final moments under the law.

Read more: Calls for change in laws could reshape final moments for many

Losing trust in end-of-life protections can shake entire communities—how do we balance compassion with the need for safeguards?