Police have busted a bizarre “spiritual retreat” that sold drug-fuelled “package holidays” for over €1,000.
During the operation, officers searched two rural properties and seized 11 litres (19 pints) of ayahuasca – a psychoactive brew.
They also confiscated 117 San Pedro cacti and several bottles of secretions from the Kambó toad – Phyllomedusa bicolor.
READ MORE: Pregnant mum-of-five killed after being run over and shot 20 times ‘by ex-boyfriend’
Additionally, 7 kg (15 lb) of Mimosa aka Mimosa pudica and 368 kg (811 lb) of harmal – Peganum harmala – seeds were seized.
Further confiscations included 945 Ritalin methylphenidate tablets, along with cash and extensive paperwork.
The searches took place in Pedreguer, in Spain’s Alicante province, resulting in three arrests and five others under investigation.
The investigation began in March after a complaint from a victim.
Officers uncovered a company that promoted itself online as an internationally renowned spiritual retreat organisation, boasting supposed awards and accolades.
The company offered holiday packages featuring “traditional healing medicine”.
Spain’s Civil Guard said the operation attracted clients worldwide, “mostly Europeans,” with promises of mystical, health-boosting experiences.
Packages included several nights’ accommodation, meals, and drug consumption, with average prices exceeding €1,000 (£863).
Each retreat hosted up to 20 paying customers, guided by six staff members through their so-called “astral journeys.”
Detectives revealed the group had held numerous retreats at a villa in the town, generating hundreds of thousands of euros.
Most income was undeclared cash, but several bank accounts in different countries were also used to mitigate risk and avoid detection.
Inside the villa, officers found dozens of beds arranged in rooms dedicated to “astral journeys.”
Group members administered psychoactive substances to participants there.
At the time of the raid, 16 guests were present, as reported by Need To Know.
The Civil Guard confirmed the drugs were prepared in a rudimentary, unhygienic home laboratory.
The three detainees — two men and one woman, all aged 33 — have been identified as the ringleaders.
They “ran the company, managed advertising and finances, and prepared the drugs,” the Civil Guard said.
The five under investigation — three men and two women — are believed to have acted as “spiritual guides”, overseeing consumption and administering substances.
All face charges of drug trafficking, money laundering, and belonging to a criminal organisation.
The seized substances are known to induce hallucinogenic and psychedelic effects, altering consciousness.
Physical side effects reported include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, increased heart rate and blood pressure, dizziness, tremors, dilated pupils, sweating, anxiety, facial swelling, confusion, and chills.
READ MORE: Young geologist killed by swarm of bees in ‘strange and sudden’ attack
