National Police and Tax Office Customs Surveillance officers were arrested in Sant Pol de Mar, a town near Barcelona. Reports indicate they were involved in organizing or promoting a gathering where 23 individuals were targeted for procurement of psychoactive substances, allegedly acting as initiators of a neoshamanic ritual that was to take place in front of the attendees.
The detainees face multiple charges, including membership in a criminal organization, violations of the Aliens Act, smuggling, drug trafficking, and professional trespassing. The Home Office confirmed on Sunday that the case includes these offenses, underscoring a broader crackdown on illicit activities tied to controlled substances and foreign nationals.
The investigation aimed to dismantle a group suspected of distributing psychoactive drugs. Authorities intervened at a moment described as a planned ceremony intended to supply these substances, signaling a coordinated operation spanning several months of surveillance and intelligence gathering.
During the operation, authorities discovered a facility with up to 50 beds prepared to host participants. The inquiry traced contact networks used through the internet and social media to connect buyers with suppliers offering ayahuasca, bufo toad, kambo frog, and related psychoactive materials. The seizure extended to cash, with 4,000 euros and 2,000 dollars recovered, along with a range of substances and instruments including samples of ayahuasca, bufo toad and kambo frog preparations, mescaline, and various weighing scales used to measure doses for consumption.
The arrest and search operations underscore ongoing efforts by national and regional law enforcement to curb the illicit distribution of psychedelic substances and to disrupt networks that facilitate drug trafficking under the guise of spiritual or ceremonial experiences. The case highlights the vulnerability of communities to organized criminal activity that exploits open channels for information sharing and commerce on the internet, while also raising questions about the regulation and safety of substances marketed for ritual or therapeutic purposes.
Authorities emphasized that the investigation is continuing, with additional steps forthcoming as they trace the full scope of the network and identify other individuals who may be involved. The case illustrates how a combination of street-level enforcement, cross-border legal frameworks, and online monitoring is used to address offenses that blend criminal enterprise with alleged spiritual practices.
In summary, the Sant Pol de Mar operation involved the detention of two officers and related individuals in connection with a plan to supply psychoactive substances through a neoshamanic framework, with multiple charges reflecting the seriousness of the alleged crimes and the potential risk to participants and communities. The authorities stated that further updates would be provided as the investigation progresses and more details become available to the public.
Source: National Police and Tax Office Customs Surveillance, Sant Pol de Mar, Barcelona.