Montreal police arrest 2 in connection to teen overdose from synthetic opioids

Montreal police (SPVM) arrested two people, including a minor, for alleged synthetic drug trafficking in connection with the overdose of a 15-year-old in December 2023.

Laxshan Mylvaganam, 24, and a 17-year-old whose identity is protected have been charged with possession and trafficking of narcotics. 

Mathis Boivin died after mistakenly taking a single dose of isotonitazene before going to bed and he never woke up.

His death made headlines in Quebec and his father, Christian Boivin, has spoken widely about his son to raise awareness about the opioid epidemic. 

On Wednesday, he was present at the Montreal courthouse, as the suspects made their appearances. As part of the SPVM drug bust, two other individuals were arrested and charged, but are not linked to Mathis’ death.

“We need to show to people that if you do this, there’s a consequence and even the death of young people,” he said of the charges.

As of right now, there are no murder charges laid against Mylvaganam and the minor. Boivin wants to see more serious charges like manslaughter.

“I’m disappointed,” he said. “Because if you compare to someone who drinks and drives and kills someone, the charges are murder. So why not this type of murder?”

According to Mathis’ family, the 15-year-old thought he was taking oxycontin.

“People have to be aware, kids have to be aware,” said Boivin. “When you take your pills on the black market, […] there’s a risk that you will die.”

The SPVM said these arrests come after several months of investigations.

In addition to the arrests, three homes were searched in Ahuntsic–Cartierville and Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension, as well as a vehicle belonging to one of the suspects.

Police say several hundred counterfeit pills that appeared to be pharmaceuticals were seized.

“The investigation showed that these counterfeit pills are in fact dangerous synthetic opioids (isotonitazene type) that can lead to overdoses,” reads a press release.

“During the process of the investigation, you feel like they don’t do a lot because they don’t give you a lot of information, but it’s normal,” says Boivin. “But what I heard yesterday, they put 11 police [officers] on that case since day won and they succeeded.”

Mylvaganam appeared in court via video conference Wednesday at the Montreal courthouse.

The minor will appear in youth court at a later date and faces charges of drug trafficking and possession for the purpose of trafficking.

“There was enough evidence for me to decide to charge them of possessing drugs for the purpose of trafficking,” said Delphine Mauger, crown prosecutor. “There were several kinds of drugs. Some very hard drugs and other drugs that are not as serious.”

Mylvaganam remains detained.

“We have to trust the justice, to trust what they do,” said Boivin. “They are parents too.”

Boivin in the meantime says he will continue raising awareness about the opioid epidemic.

“I don’t want people to live this,” he said through tears. “It’s too late for Mathis, but not for your children.”