Spanish police have arrested three people and seized 11 litres of ayahuasca, 117 San Pedro cactus plants and bottles of toad poison after raiding two rural properties used for spiritual retreats promising "astral journeys". The raids in Pedreguer, Alicante, followed a five-month investigation sparked by a complaint from a former customer.
The retreat, which marketed itself online as an award-winning spiritual centre, offered three- and five-day packages costing an average of €1,000 (£865). Groups of up to 20 people, accompanied by six employees, took part in several retreats each week. Investigators believe the group made hundreds of thousands of euros over the past year, mostly in undeclared cash, and used multiple bank accounts in different countries.
When officers raided the properties, 16 people were attending a retreat. The centre lacked proper equipment to handle poisoning cases, and the substances were prepared in a "homemade, rudimentary laboratory" with no hygiene measures. Police also seized 945 Ritalin tablets and various plant products.
The Guardia Civil stated that ayahuasca, San Pedro, toad poison, wild rue and mimosa pudica are prohibited in Spain because they can be highly dangerous to human health. The arrested individuals—two men and a woman—are suspected of drug trafficking, money laundering and belonging to a criminal organisation. Five "spiritual guides" are also under investigation.
