Death for Sale: Inside Poland's Underground Poison Trade

Death for Sale: Inside Poland's Underground Poison Trade

Fatal toxins can now be purchased online like ordinary goods without leaving home, according to an investigation by Polsat News. Journalists have uncovered vendors who openly admit that the substances they sell are designed to kill—slowly, without leaving traces, and without any chance of survival. This dark business operates in Poland while authorities struggle to combat it.

"Controlled Poisoning" Business Model

Investigators established contact with a man whose specialization is shocking, particularly because his offerings are available on the internet. His advertisement reads: "My offers are directed at customers seeking unusual, often hard-to-find chemical reagents and beyond. Everything related to chemistry is my passion, and business contacts give me access to exceptional chemicals. Email contact only. Meeting proposals and similar behavior are ignored and blocked."

The vendor's communications leave no illusions about his intentions. He sells toxins—specifically a toxin whose name will not be disclosed—and describes his activity as "controlled poisoning."

"Most commonly used for prolonged poisoning that results in sudden death after many months. By disrupting cellular homeostasis and causing uncontrolled calcium influx into cells, it gradually destroys the biological object," the vendor explains.

Dr. Jacek Rzepecki, a toxicologist, commented: "This is one of the most potent toxins. To kill a kilogram mouse, you need just 0.05 micrograms of this substance. These are incomprehensible quantities."

No Detection, No Antidote

The vendor provides chilling operational details:

"Detection? No rapid tests exist to identify this toxin. Treatment? There is no specific antidote for poisoning. It can be added to any drink or food. The toxin I sell is 100% pure, which makes it highly effective. Do not use doses larger than 5 ml at once, because the biological object will experience poisoning symptoms and taste a metallic flavor. The package includes a syringe for convenient product extraction."

When directly asked whether the toxin affects humans, the vendor responds affirmatively: "Yes, it works on humans. Effectiveness is guaranteed. It damages kidneys, leading to kidney failure; the immune system; and the nervous system, causing brain function disorders. Organ destruction occurs gradually and persists even up to a month after poisoning ends."

Marek Waszczewski, a GIS spokesperson, expressed alarm: "It is terrifying that someone can openly write what this substance can be used for."

Potassium Cyanide: A Lethal Pinch

Investigators contacted another individual who imports potassium cyanide into Poland from Africa. This highly toxic substance requires only a tiny amount to deliver a fatal dose.

"It is soluble. After 30 minutes you fall asleep, without pain and peacefully. This is very dangerous—if you take this, it is very serious. The business is based on trust. You sell this substance in good faith. Everything depends on trust. You need to provide details on how you want it delivered, and then you can test the quality. I'll give you one unit for 1,200 zloty," the vendor stated by phone.

The man acknowledged his awareness of cyanide's potential misuse: "People mostly want to use it for putting someone to sleep. Usually I have no problem if you want to use it for a criminal matter," he admitted.

Legal Loopholes Enable Trade

While the sale of such substances is strictly regulated, this does not prevent their circulation in Poland.

Waszczewski explained: "Remember that each of these substances is legal in Poland. There is no regulation prohibiting possession or trading them, because some are used as chemical reagents for various reactions while others are used in technological processes in industry. The problem is when we suggest their use for criminal purposes—that is criminal and outrageous."

When asked by police headquarters about poison trafficking, officials responded: "Simply advertising the sale of such substances on the Internet is not a threat to life or health. The threat arises only from their use contrary to their intended purpose. This applies to all chemical substances available in legal trade. Currently, Polish law lacks provisions that would criminally penalize the sale of such substances."

Poisoning Cases: A Hidden Epidemic

Recent cases reveal the scope of poisoning in Poland. Video footage showed a 56-year-old woman regularly adding toxic chemicals to a coworker's drink. The 51-year-old victim could have died. The suspect faces charges of attempted grievous bodily harm, carrying up to 20 years imprisonment. Without the camera footage, the case would never have surfaced.

A similar incident occurred in Lublin, where four female coworkers at the Social Insurance Institution allegedly poisoned a 51-year-old colleague over months. The victim reported headaches that mysteriously disappeared on days off work. The suspects were dismissed and prosecutors launched an investigation for endangering life.

Poisoning Through Supplements

Jan Błażewicz claims he was poisoned by his former girlfriend, whom he met online. After several months together, he changed his life insurance policy, naming her as beneficiary for 250,000 zloty.

"I was hospitalized three times. Once during gym training, something stabbed my heart. An ambulance took me away. My blood pressure was 60 over 40. I spent the night in emergency care, and it turned out I was being poisoned," Błażewicz recounted.

Upon returning home, he opened his supplement capsules and discovered "halves of white tablets of unknown origin." A new package from the store contained no such tablets. "I have no doubt my former partner is behind this. Only she had access to the capsules," he insisted.

The Nowa Sól prosecutor's office dismissed the case, citing insufficient evidence of intentional poisoning and lack of detected psychoactive substances. Błażewicz filed an appeal, which the court will now consider.

Amanita muscaria: A Growing "Trend"

In May 2025, regulations tightened regarding the fly agaric mushroom, classified as a psychotropic substance. Sales and trading are now banned with severe financial penalties.

However, online shops circumvent these laws. Websites sell dried amanita products while claiming that "possession, collection, and storage of the mushroom is legal, with the only restriction being its sale for consumption purposes, which is prohibited in Poland. Therefore, we sell this mushroom for scientific research purposes."

The internet thrives with such commerce and advice on consuming agaric, with video blogs promoting its use.

Dr. Rzepecki issued a warning: "This is an underground world. Some claim it has health benefits, others say it has stimulating and hallucinogenic effects—the latter are more correct. Such a mushroom can lead to mental disorders where someone jumps out a window thinking they can fly, or to circulatory problems. I have worked in this field for 47 years. When I started, amanita was considered edible only by accident or the mentally ill. Today, far more people have consumed such mushrooms."

An Uncountable Market

The poison trading market remains immeasurable—transactions conducted far from official statistics and beyond the reach of law enforcement.