In the same year, raids also took place in several other coun- tries. A number of Exit members were among those to have received visits. Under the guise of ‘welfare checks’, the modus operandi is as follows. The Police show up unannounced, in- vite themselves in and then question the person about alleged or real attempts to import Nembutal. The Police suggest that the person has recently made a purchase of Nembutal and then request that the person hands over the drugs. If this order is complied with, there is usually no further action. However, on more than one occasion it has been suggested that the person ‘talk to their doctor’ about their mental health issues.
Note: Generally speaking, one does not have to speak to the Police, other than to provide one’s name and address. Most countries have a right to silence. Legal advice should be sought before any police interview is agreed to. In general, you also do not have to allow the Police entry to your home unless they have a warrant. In the Nembutal ‘wellness check’ raids, war- rants are rarely, if ever, produced. Remember, there is no such thing as an informal or ‘off-the-record’ friendly chat with the police, no matter where you live.
Relatively few people are known to have been prosecuted as a result of their illegal importation of Nembutal. One explana- tion for the dearth of criminal charges is that the work required for a successful prosecution possibly exceeds societal benefit. Prosecuting an elderly, hitherto law-abiding citizen for trying to import a small quantity of Nembutal for their own (possible) future consumption, would attract considerable public interest. Legal action would only draw attention to the failure of the po- litical process in addressing end of life needs of the elderly and seriously ill. That said, acquiring Nembutal over the Internet is illegal and this cannot be stressed enough.
