UK man admits to selling drugs used by people to commit suicide

In a case that sparks key questions about online responsibility, mental health, and the defense of life, a man from Wrexham, North Wales, recently pleaded guilty to selling toxic chemicals online that could have been used by people seeking to terminate their lives. 

Key Takeaways:

• Miles Cross admitted to giving poisonous drugs to people that could have used them to commit suicide.

• At least two people are believed to have killed themselves using these drugs.

• Police said he intentionally preyed on people in vulnerable situations.

The Details:

On November 18, Miles Cross, 33, admitted his guilt at Mold Crown Court, in four counts of purposely perpetuating an act capable of encouraging or assisting suicide. 

During the court hearing, it was reported that he provided poisonous substances to four people through an online business in August and September 2024, collecting £100 from each of them in return. Cross then sent the chemicals through the mail between August 9 and September 13, 2024.

Cross purportedly established his business selling the chemical via an internet discussion forum in July 2024 using a pseudonym. He also posted a QR code on the forum, enabling people to purchase the toxic substances directly from him. 

Consequently, two people ended their own lives, including Shubhreet Singh from Leeds, using the substances Cross reportedly supplied. 

When authorities searched Cross's address in January 2025, officers found amounts of the toxic substances and other paraphernalia.

Zoom In:

“Cross took advantage and exploited his victims in their most desperate moments, profiting off their vulnerability and mental illnesses," Det. Supt. Chris Bell from North Wales Police said. “This has been a highly complex and sensitive investigation over the past 10 months, and I want to acknowledge the courage of the witnesses who played an integral part in the investigation during such difficult circumstances. Safeguarding vulnerable individuals is a priority for us, and we continue to work closely with partner agencies to provide support and prevent harm wherever possible.”

Likewise, Alison Storey, Specialist Prosecutor with the CPS Special Crime Division, said:

“Miles Cross preyed on four people in a distressed state and knowingly provided a substance intended to end their lives. His actions were purely for financial gain, and he made the process of ordering the chemical online easy and accessible. This case is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by those who aim to exploit vulnerable individuals online. The CPS will always aim to hold offenders to account when they illegally seek to encourage or assist a suicide.

Our thoughts remain with the families of the victims, and we hope this outcome brings some measure of justice to them.”

Cross is expecting a sentence on January 7, 2026. 

The Bottom Line:

This alarming case highlights a rising trend of self-harm and suicide methods being discussed openly and facilitated online. While previously concealed in obscure corners of the Internet, these debates have slowly been normalized, and begun shifting to mainstream platforms.

Pro-life advocates should regard such a situation with heightened urgency, as the commodification of toxic substances to facilitate assisted suicide can easily lead to vulnerable lives being exploited and lost, partly due to the nonchalance and even encouragement of strangers behind screens.