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Ayahuasca and toad poison seized

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Police in eastern Spain have arrested three people and seized 11 litres of ayahuasca, 117 San Pedro cactus plants and several bottles of toad poison after raiding two rural properties that were used to host lucrative spiritual retreats promising “astral journeys”.
 
The Guardia Civil said 16 people had been on a retreat when the raids took place, adding that the centre did not have the necessary equipment to deal with cases of poisoning and that the concoctions were prepared in a “homemade, rudimentary laboratory that lacked hygiene measures”. 

A Guardia Civil spokesperson said that ayahuasca, San Pedro, toad poison, wild rue and mimosa pudica were prohibited substances in Spain, adding that their consumption was not authorised because, while they were natural substances, they could be highly dangerous to human health.

Police photographs showed a large room, filled with mattresses, buckets and tissues, where the “astral journeys” took place. Two men and a woman – thought to be the group’s leaders – were arrested, while five others who served as “spiritual guides” are under investigation. All are suspected of drug trafficking, money laundering and belonging to a criminal organisation.

Officers also seized 945 Ritalin tablets as well as an assortment of plant products, all of which were sent to the laboratory for testing.