Cyanide Suicide After Deep Web Shopping

Abstract

Cyanide is a product that is known for its use in industrial or laboratory processes, as well as for intentional intoxication. The toxicity of cyanide is well described in humans with rapid inhibition of cellular aerobic metabolism after ingestion or inhalation, leading to severe clinical effects that are frequently lethal. We report the case of a young white man found dead in a hotel room after self-poisoning with cyanide ordered in the deep Web. This case shows a probable complex suicide kit use including cyanide, as a lethal tool, and dextromethorphan, as a sedative and anxiolytic substance. This case is an original example of the emerging deep Web shopping in illegal drug procurement.

Türkiye’de Siyanüre Bağlı İntihar Vakaları: Gazete Haberleri Üzerinden Bir Araştırma

“…They state that it is challenging to prove the process of buying cyanide on the internet. 33 Since cyanide cases are now uncommon, the reporting of these cases to the legal authority varies depending on the country and laws. 35 Therefore, national authorities should develop strategies to carefully report these phenomena, strictly follow the cyanide supply channels, and prevent people from reaching cyanide.…”

A Series of Suicides and Homicides by Cyanide in Türkiye: Exploring the Role of Media Reports and the Copycat Effect

“…Cyanide has various industrial applications, including gold extraction, metal refining, organic syntheses, and other chemical processes [1,2]. It can also be found naturally in certain edibles like apple or apricot seeds and bitter almonds [3].…”

Diagnosis of lethal cyanide poisoning. Analysis by Anion‐Exchange Chromatography with Pulsed Amperometric Detection

“…Worldwide, recent fatal and non-fatal cases of cyanide poisoning have been reported [4][5][6][7][8][9][10]. In Seoul (Korea), 255 deaths from cyanide poisoning were described between 2005 and 2010; of these, 97.3% were suicides.…”