Police are investigating a serious case on the Gold Coast involving the death of a 43-year-old man caused by pentobarbitone, a veterinary euthanasia drug, which was not legally available for assisted dying in Queensland.

The investigation has uncovered an alleged illegal 'End of Life' business linked to up to 20 deaths across three Australian states, with a focus on Brett Daniel Taylor, a 53-year-old man from Main Beach, who has been charged with aiding suicide and drug trafficking.

This clandestine operation came to light after the death of the Gold Coast man in April, revealing that the drugs were obtained through a front charity called 'End of Life Services,' which claimed to assist with euthanasia but was not authorized to do so.

The 53-year-old operator, who was not a veterinarian, used false pretenses to access the drugs, including sourcing them from his mother’s house in Victoria, and reselling them for profit.

The accused individuals, including Taylor’s father and an 81-year-old woman, are not known to the deceased, and the case involves allegations of a targeted illegal euthanasia scheme.

Detective Inspector Mark Mooney stated that the investigation is ongoing, with authorities warning that the number of related deaths could increase as they continue to uncover more evidence.

Taylor is accused of exploiting vulnerable people by providing euthanasia drugs, assisting with wills, and helping clients die at home through his 'End of Life Services,' which was reportedly a front for illegal activities.

Two other individuals, an 81-year-old woman from Southport and an 80-year-old man from Ashmore, have also been charged with aiding suicide and drug trafficking, with some involved in the business operations.

Police urge anyone with information or who engaged with 'End of Life Services' to come forward to aid the ongoing investigation, emphasizing that Queensland’s assisted dying laws are strictly regulated and illegal aid to suicide carries severe penalties.

Further investigations have revealed that Taylor obtained the euthanasia drugs from his mother’s house in Victoria and resold them, targeting individuals seeking assisted death outside the legal framework.

This case raises concerns about the adequacy of Queensland’s euthanasia laws, with a 2024 coroner’s report criticizing the current legal framework and warning of potential future tragedies.

A 53-year-old man from Main Beach has been charged with aiding suicide, drug trafficking, and possessing dangerous drugs, with police alleging he supplied the lethal drug to the deceased.