A foreign criminal network with roots in a Colombian jungle headquarters expanded its activities into Spain, presenting itself as a neo-shamanic movement that promised physical and emotional improvements through the use of psychoactive substances such as ayahuasca, bufo toad venom, kambó venom, and peyote.
In a coordinated effort with tax authorities, authorities detained 18 individuals and seized 60 kilos of ayahuasca in various parts of Spain, along with a kilo of mescaline. The substances were allegedly promoted through networks linked to Madrid’s Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport.
Officials reported that most arrests occurred in Madrid, with additional actions in Fuente el Saz del Jarama and Valdetorres del Jarama. A member of the group was also detained in Ibiza, Malaga, and Lloret de Mar. All suspects face charges related to organized crime and public health offenses, and some individuals are accused of human trafficking, violations of workers’ rights, smuggling, and immigration law violations.
Crimes against sexual freedom and related offenses, as well as accusations of supporting clandestine migration, have also been attributed to the movement’s leader, who died during the investigation and was regarded by followers as a spiritual teacher or guru.
The investigation began when the group drew attention on social networks and websites that advertised neo-shamanic rituals in Spain. The ads claimed benefits for followers’ physical and emotional health through the consumption of dangerous psychoactive substances such as ayahuasca, toad venom, kambó venom, and peyote.
Headquarters in the Colombian Jungle
Investigators confirmed that the organization maintained a headquarters in the Colombian jungle, equipped with tools and raw materials to produce the substances. Packages were later transported into Spain through Madrid airport using mules or by disguising them as other goods. Members accumulated large quantities of mescaline and ayahuasca and used these substances during ritual events and in online sales.
Within Spain the network referred to Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga, Granada and Ibiza as centers of internal evolution. The group also established a presence in other nations including France, Italy, Belgium, Ireland, Finland, Romania, Malta, Mexico, Colombia and Turkey.
Some adherents lived at the organization’s headquarters and endured long working hours under irregular conditions, participating in internal evolution retreats where psychoactive substances were distributed. A supervising medical professional, accompanied by a spouse presenting as a medical graduate, was alleged to support the practices.
Substitution Therapy for Conventional Medicine
In some cases the group used these substances as alternatives to conventional medical treatments. Researchers note that many new age sects promote neo-shamanic rituals that combine sensory stimuli such as music, lighting, and incense to attract followers and facilitate the coercive influence of the so-called shaman over the group.
The Madrid Instruction Court No. 43 and the Drug Enforcement Section of the Madrid Provincial Prosecutor’s Office led the case, which had remained confidential until recently. Investigators conducted eight house searches and encountered several participants during a ritual. During searches and posteal interventions by customs officers, authorities seized 24 thousand euros in cash, foreign currency, high-end vehicles, two unmanned aerial vehicles, a data terminal, computers, audiovisual materials and numerous mobile phones.
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